Lazaruss : Following the example of Kildizard The Unwanted Ghost, I will tend to improve my lyrics, so from now on the verses of my song "Nightmares have come to life" will rime. ( It is an original work so you better like it ). I will go back and rectify the previous ones as well.
Oh, and, I don't usually write disclamers... I consider those a minor formality, but now i'm going to : ( M-HM ) I do not own any of Robert Jordan's works or characters, nor his "Weel of Time" series. I do not own his "Eye of the world ", nor the text and chapters of the previous. If you notice some similarity, know that it's strictly coincidential and thank Robert Jordan for giving me the idea... ( How's that ?)
Word spreads like ripples in the lake
The treat is known and the peaces muster
They make their move after several, we take
Brut force is fast, but cunning moves faster
Past will ignite and the future will turn
An unbound death will reap with her scythe
and when corpses sing the living will burn
now terror has a name
and nightmares have come to life…
" He killed Chron !"
" The Kreedens are dead !"
" Mercy ! They will kill us all !"
" We must plea for our lives !"
Kain was sitting on top of the wall's edge with the soul reaver lying over his knees. His mighty wings were twitching and rattling on the morning wind, and his empty gaze was fixed on some point to the north, further away from the crowd of people that were massing on the ruined southern square of Coorhagen. Commander Seilla and her men were mixing amongst the town's folk, trying to keep the mob from escalating, but they too weren't prepared for what they've found upon their arrival. The city was colored in Kreeden blood and their corpses were crowding the streets. On top of it all, a huge white skeleton now stood on the square, marking the tomb of the beast Chron, but the people didn't care. They shouted and cried terrified of the change and the future that will follow.
Sian came along the wall. His sire was almost like in a trance just staring blankly at nothing. But while he was approaching he could swear he saw a light smile of satisfaction that was lifting a corner of Kain's lip.
" The people are scared. "; Sian said
The ancient vampire turned his sight towards him :
" Weaklings. "
He caught Kain's look. For the first time ever, he saw joy in his eyes and felt warmness circling his hearth. Kain was pleased and happy to such measure that Sian could feel it distinctly. Sian was always extremely gifted with sensing other people's emotions. But never before was he able to reach those within his sire. And than he realized why was he feeling like that :
" The beast said you are dying. "; he spoke
" Yes. "
" Do you think he was telling the truth ?"
" Yes. "
Sian grudged :
" I won't let that happen. "
Kain stood up, placing the soul reaver on his back between his wings. He sighed observing the northern mountains and their peeks cowered in white cloaks of snow. Clouds and green sky were obscuring it for a human eye, but not for his. Like he sees that sight for the first time, his head fell a little to the left and he gazed it sideways, smiling again :
" One can cheat death only so many times. "
Sian breathed angrily, looking at his sire.
" It would be so easy, wouldn't it ?"; he finally asked :" To simply die and leave it all behind ?"
At once all the joy vanished out of Kain, replaced by a beastly rage. He hissed at him threatening, and a silent growling resumed where the hissing ceased :
" Don't insult us !"
The crowd was getting restless, shouting and yelling angry and terrified. Commander Seilla somehow got a hold of the speaker system and tried to calm them down, but nothing worked.
" People !"; She yelled :" Please stay calm ! Everything is under control !"
" Buuuuu !"
" You'll get us all killed !"
" Get out of our town !"
" ROAAAAAARRRR !"
Everyone at once went quiet. Kain was razing his beastly voice into the heavens with his head tossed up high and wings fully opened. And as his snarl died the silence dominated the square again. Birds fled before his roar and people got frozen in the spot. He glared at them from the wall's edge with a face bathed in contempt :
" Is this what you are reduced to ?"; he spoke calmly, but his voice was clearly heard by all :" A pack of cowards and old wives willing to sell your souls for a few more seconds of life ? Has your blood turned water, or did smoke and ash replace your hearts ?"
No one answered. Kain razed the reaver to the sky and at once it turned red. Sighs of amazement passed trough the crowd as an image danced above the city, an image of an ancient town of Coorhagen, glorious and shimmering on the rising sun. Kain gazed at them :
" Behold your legacy ! Once this was the greatest city in all of Nosgoth, rich in every heart's desire. Mighty Lion of Willendorf was proud to have Coorhagen for an ally. Its people were built of fire and steal with spirits as high as the shadowing mountains. Not just the men, but valor flowed trough all, down to the smallest child. Unity and courage had their true meaning here and fear was a word to insulting to mention. Shall we tell you of the legacy which you had forsaken ? Do you want to know what disgrace you all are to your forefathers ?"
The image on the sky became that of a burning city, surrounded by an army of vampires. Their eyes were glittering like melted silver with fangs and claws sparkling in the half dark. Red banners with black symbol from Kain's red cloak danced in the cries of battle.
" We led this force, the greatest army Nosgoth had ever suffered. Ranks of our children stretched from east to west blurring the horizon's edge, splitting the earth and the sky ! But neither nether gates nor walls were opened to us as we lay sedge upon this town. In three days we expected defenses to collapse, and we stroke hard where ever there would be a crack. For night and day the battle raged. Green turned red and rock was bathed in blood, human's as well as vampire's. No aid was coming to you, no supplies, no reinforcement. But still the defenses stood ! Three days, four, five ! Our army lost its half crushing upon your barricades ! No words of surrender came from within, no sign of any negotiations. They did not beg for their lives ! They asked for no mercy ! Why non from Coorhagen when all the others gave plenty ? Despite all our expectations it lasted still. Six days ! Seven days ! At the eve of the eight day, the walls finally collapsed. The stone which made them turned into mud, and our armies stormed in. And than we stopped. It was so quiet we could hear flies buzzing over festering corpses. Before us was a sight that shamed us beyond all shames ; there were no soldiers. The plague took them all long before our arrival. Women, children and old people, weak and injured gathered defiantly before us. Filthy blood dripped from their armors and blades, and sharp angry eyes observed us, their frozen death. There was fear, oh yes, but not nearly as much as we expected. Not what we expected from the people of Coorhagen… "
The sky grew green again and the crowd bowed their sights in shame. Kain eyes evaluated them coldly :
" You are less than shells of beings, all broken and dry. You have forgotten what your ancestors knew in their cradles ; always death, never slavery !"; he narrowed his eyes and razed his upper lip as if he was disgusted by their stench :" There is no grace left in Coorhagen. "
This last part he spoke with obvious repugnance and finally murmurs and mutters stirred the silent square. Not frightened but angry and not panicked but orderly. Kain passed the soul reaver over the crowd :
" Their army will descend upon you within a day ! Will you welcome it, like loyal dogs ?"
" No !"; A single woman shouted up at him. It was Commander Seilla. Her men joined her in her shout :
" NO !"
" Will you fight ?"; Kain yelled razing the reaver high in the sky :" Will you fight for the grace of Coorhagen ?"
" Yes ! Yeeees !"
The crowd cheered. Arms went in the air. Brave shouts filled the city. Laughter and smiles radiated with strength and Kain gazed upon them with pride.
" Nice speech. "; Sian whispered to him :" But you left out the obvious… you killed those brave women and children never the less, didn't you ?"
" Troublemakers. "; Kain whispered back :" Find the weapons and arm them. We have much to do. "
He vanished in a white flash, appearing inside one of the government buildings further within the city. It seemed to be the place where the Kreedens made their prime headquarters. He stood in a broad corridor filled with leather furniture and vases of flowers. In a dead land flowers was a luxury. Portraits of Kreedens hung on walls as the only remaining traces of the previous hosts, but Kain knew it was not quite the case. Behind a big square dour there was a sound of a lonely heartbeat. A heartbeat he felt back at the square. With a sudden kick he broke in the large chamber and slowly observed the woman before him on the far end of the room. The Kreeden girl was wearing a blue silken gown with white edges, painted with detailed gold decorations. The neck of the dress was low exposing her pink breasts, and her dark blue hair was ordered in a long bride that was hanging behind her back down to her thighs. A strong smell of perfume sweetened the air around her. Nails on her hands were long and red and her eyes were of a pale blue color like shimmering water, next to a red crystal on her pink forehead. Sleeves of her dress were so broad they practically dragged on the flour the whole time, and from her shoulders hung two long dark red strips of cloth with lines of symbols of the Kreeden army ; a snake wrapped around a dark gem.
" You must be lord Kain. "; she said
" Amongst a few other things. "
Kain gazed around the room. It was a spacey chamber with smooth greenish marble poles on the left. On his right were a long table with crystal dishes neatly sorted and ready to use, and further on to the left was a large space of windows, that almost completely cowered the left wall. A red shaggy carpet was placed over the black flour and numerous chandeliers shone with ghastly blue light, making the atmosphere more appealing. She was alone.
" Modest, are we ?'; she smiled :" The way you handled Chron was most impressive. He was the worst of his kind, and you hardly broke a sweat. "
" Some enemies are foolish enough to think they can face us alone. "; he gestured her on the empty room
" I am not necessarily your enemy. My name is lady Ashee, and I come on behalf of the Kreedan race to give you their words. "
" By all means. "; he said and started to approach her slow but menacingly. She ignored it and started :
" We have traveled to many words and met many creatures, none ever more fascinating than you. This world houses great power, but it is poisoned beyond all cures. It would be a shame to have you wasted… You are fighting for a lost cause, when we have so much to gain from each other… "
Kain came close enough. She felt fear of his presence, but she was somehow enjoying it. He could sense the two opposite sensations entwining within her, confusingly. Smiling she approached him even closer placing her palm on his chest, touching his wrinkled skin gently with her long nails in a seductive manner :
" … Perhaps even more than you could expect. "
Her touch was intended to be stimulating, but it caused nothing. He observed her grudged, and than he paced to the table and took one pretty crystal goblet in his hand. It was sculpted and carved with glass rose blossoms, widely opened at the base of its stand.
" Such a lovely thing, don't you think ?"; he stated :" Not just the craft. One must notice the effort and skill that the craftsman pored into it. It must have bean quite an endeavor to sculpt it to perfection… to the point where it suited his standards… "
She watched him a bit confused, and than suddenly, the goblet in his hand burst under his squeeze. Its debris and shards shattered on the carpet
" And now look at it. "; Kain said :" All the effort, all the work and skill, all the time it took… wasted. "; he glared back at her with chilling sparks in his eyes :" And the craftsman is angry. "
Fear in her got a bit stronger, and the pleasure along with it :
" There are other goblets out there… "; she gulped :" … not of glass but of gold and silver with precious stones on their sides. "
" This one was ours !"; Kain hissed :" And you smashed it ! Now your heads will role at our feet. "; he started to approach her, but she didn't back away
" Your stubbornness makes you so much more desirable… "; she made an erotic gesture of her palm over her hip :" You really shouldn't be so limited… "
" LIMITED ?"; he snarled
At once he grabbed her in his TK grip lifting her from the flour, and hurling her body on the wall behind her. His intention was in fact to hurt her, but she only seemed like she's enjoying that too. And than he realized ; she was a masochist. And beyond that she seemed to have some affection to him. What an unusual and unorthodox creature. Holding her firmly squeezed he smiled :
" Dear lady, measuring our limits is a sizable job. "
Ashee laughed trough her quick breaths :
" This really isn't my favorite position, but what ever pleases you… "; he came closer and smelled her face like an animal, passing his nose about a few inches away from her skin. She grudged :" Don't tell me you've never had an enjoyment of a woman before ?"
" Of course… "; he smiled wickedly, and suddenly the reaver blade touched her cheek :" We enjoyed their screams… "
He pooled the sword over her skin, the sharpest edge she's ever felt shaving the tiniest of hairs along the way. She shivered and smiled :
" They say, the sword is a part of you. "
" We are one. "; he corrected her :" And soon we will be a part of you… "
She snorted in panting :
" Are you sure you won't except a little feminine touch, first ? It could be special. My reputation is… colorful. "
" Foolish girl. "; he observed her :" You put your hand full of flowers in a bee hive thinking you won't be stung. "
She frowned disappointed :
" Some other time than… I'll tell our forces you need some time to think about it… that is, if you let me go ?"
" Tell them, "; Kain said and released her :" that they can not hide, only run, and only as far as we allow it. "
His claw cut trough the air tearing the pattern of time and space, opening a gate for outside of the city. He turned and casually started to walk away :
" All of you. "; he placed the soul reaver on his back
" You are signing your own death sentence !"; She yelled after him
" It's not the first time. "; he tossed as he left
" You're one of a kind, my dear Kain… "; she shouted and than whispered, passionately licking her dark purple lips :"… one of a kind. "
Instead of using his gate, she tossed an orb of magic trough it to close it, and opened her own. Once she stepped trough she was in a palace of pink stone with red glowing braziers and yellow silken curtains hanging exotically between the poles. There were six persons there, four Kreedens and two vampires. Adella and Jasmine bowed before her once lady Ashee came to their midst and so did the Let-Galeb twins and sen-captains Darmon and Gelaida who were husband and wife. Instead of her spiked mace, Adella had a flaming sword on her belt, the sword Kain gave Tarian before his hibernation. She was dressed in a garment made sole of thin silver chains, not entwined like a web, but thickly lined over her clear blue skin. A few well polished metal plates, connected to these chains served like a cover for her intimate body parts and transparent boots of glass and plastic were reaching high above her knees. Her eyes were big and sapphire blue, completed with long tear-scares like a black flame burning down stretching over her cheeks, and her now silver hair was falling behind her back like a shroud of snow with two black tails over the front of her shoulders. Jasmine was armed with a pair of axes, havoc and malice, that Kain gave her, and she still retained her habit to wear only red white and black. Long white gloves of leather and a matching pair of boots, were almost too shrouding compared to a tight and short shining red shirt and pants. Her hair was black and her skin greenish, with vanes all over it like fade tattoos. Her lips were bright red and always separated, exposing her sharp teeth. She had a dark cloak on her back and grim exhausted eyes full of hate, occasionally obscured by her sloping black hair.
As the magical gate closed behind her, Ashee started to dance around with a flower she'd picked from a nearby vase.
" He is magnificent. "; she giggled
" You met our sire, mistress Jordana ?"; Jasmine asked
" I must have him by my side !"; Ashee Jordana said :" We shall rule the stars together… "
" Sire… our Sire… "; Adella spoke absently :" … we must brake his head with a rock… or a rock with his head… "; she looked at her sister with eyes full of sadness :" Jasmine… I can't remember which is which… "
At once Jasmine ran to her and took her in her arms, like a mother embraces her daughter :
" Shush my little sister… I got you… I got you… "; Jasmine gently swayed her in her arms and silently hummed some undefined tune
" Lord Kain of the vampires… "; Jordana spoke ignoring everyone :" The one worthy husband… I wonder what he is like in bed chambers… "
" No. "; Conrad said defiantly :" He shamed me and my brother !"
" That's right, mistress !"; Randok complained :" We deserve our hunt ! He must pay for our stained honor !"
" Silence !"; Jordana yelled and tossed a magic lightning at the twins, knocking them on their knees in pain :" Kain is mine ! If I ever grant you the permission to hunt him, you'll do so for me, not for your honor !"
" Y… yes, mistress. "; Randok sighed
The two hugged vampires smiled at this, and Adella spoke agitated :
" May I eat his mind ? I want to eat their minds !"
" No, my precious… "; Jasmine said and poked her nose :" Mistress still needs them… Tell you what ; tonight we'll make your dolls scream. Would you like that ?"
" I'll make them scream for you, Jasmine… "; Adella reclined her head on Jasmines bosom :" … scream you to sleep… "
" Still, "; Darmon spoke while Gelaida was hanging in his arms, kissing him :" we can not allow the city to stand, mistress. "
Darmon and his wife Gelaida were both sen-captains which was a high ranking command position in the Kreeden army. Their armors were made to look like uniforms with white coated clothing, shrouding their waists and legs. Darmon had blond messy hair and Gelaida dark red and neatly calmed, and crystals on their foreheads were white. They were lovers for many past generations, and their cruelty was exceeded only by their devotion to each other.
" Shall we lead your army ?"; Gelaida asked
" You'll come along with Adella and Jasmine. "; Jordana spoke absently :" They'll have the command since they know the enemy better… "; she loudly smelled the flower in her hand :" Storm Coorhagen to the ground. "
" By your will, mistress. "; Jasmine said.
" Kain… "; Adella spoke :" Kain will come at us… "
" Yes and we shall bring him to mistress Jordana. "; Jasmine told her, explaining it like to a baby :" We shall bring him here for her pleasure… to be family again. "
" No…"; Adella grudged :" …his not head... is stone… stone… we'll bring his head of heart with no heart… "
" What is that psychotic vampire babbling about ?"; Darmon laughed and addressed lady Jordana :" Do you really want to have those insane girls lead… "
Jasmine hissed at him with her glowing red eyes and Adella joined her :
" Please, dare to refuse her word… "; Adella hissed
" So that we can teach you what mistake that is !"; Jasmine snarled :" We shall lead and you will follow !"
" Or we'll make you sing your screams ! Sing your screams ! Sing your screams !"; Adella shrieked
" No one dies here without my command. "; Jordana interrupted them, and the two vampires got calm and smiling :" Come my pets… Come to your mistress. "
Adella and Jasmine got on all four and came to her feet, kneeling and acting like they were trying to touch her but didn't dare
" Forgive us, Mistress… "; Jasmine squealed :" … pretty mistress… noble mistress… Adella was just trying to say that our sire will sooner brake than bend. "
" Brake… "; Adella whispered, and kissed Jordana's shoe :" Brake, brake, brake… "
" No !"; Jordana brushed them off :" He won't be damaged ! Do what you must, but I want him alive ! Let nothing, not even your death stop you in this task !"
" Yes !"; Jasmine sighed joyfully :" Yes, mistress ! Beautiful mistress ! It will be as you commanded !"
" Don't fail me, my pets… "; Jordana spoke and waved them to go
They all bowed and left her. She ignored their gestures of courtesy, eyes fixed on the flower in her hand :
" You will bend, my darling… You will bend at my feet… "
Volo opened the large dour and two NUC officers brought forth a captured weeping blond woman in a green dress. Her name was Delilah and she was a collaborator. Two vampires and commander Seilla were in the big room where Kain had his chat with that strange girl Ashee, a few hovers ago. Crystal plates and cups were off the table replaced by maps, on paper this time, which made Kain particularly glad. As the soldiers led her in, Delilah fell on the flour groveling :
" Please, my lords ; I had no choice ! I had to survive !"; she razed her sight towards Seilla :" My lady ; I was loyal to NUC, but I couldn't do anything on my own ! Please, give me a chance to… "
" Tell us what you know, child. "; Kain razed his sight from the maps on the table and his eyes made Delilah avert her look. He was standing above the charts holding them unrolled before him, and as he begun to approach her, the paper rolled back.
" About the army that is about to descend upon us. "; Sian added appearing behind her
" The army…"; she sobbed :" There will be a massive ground unit… of riders and armored vehicles, marching men in transports,… errrr…. Captured beasts… And three combat cruisers, NUC-renovated type. Only three were renovated thus far… They will be armed to the teeth, thousands of them and… and I don't know anything else ! I swear !"
Kain was now standing before her and Sian behind. He razed her to her feet with a gesture of his palm, though her legs were very wobbly :
" What is the greatest mercy, Sian ?"; he asked
The woman bowed her eyes down in fear and submission. Suddenly they lunched at her throat. She tried to scream as the two vampires stabbed their jaws in opposite sides of her neck. In moments they've drained her dry and let her body fall down on the shaggy red carpet.
" To give your enemy a second chance. "; Sian answered wiping the blood off his lips.
" Remember it well. "; Kain advised :" Two more lessons we shall teach you. "
The four humans gulped slightly revolted, but they said nothing. The way they saw it, that was to be the fate of all those like Delilah. Ether traitors ether… they didn't want to think about the alternative too much. Kain went to resume studying maps, but he paused in an instant. He seemed like listening to something. And than his face got bitter and he covered his ears.
" What ?"; Sian asked :" What's… "
At once an earthquake shook the ground and the building. They had to grab hold of something not to loose their stand. Chandeliers rattled and the earth roared, but within seconds it ceased. As it was over, Kain unplugged his ears and panted.
" Was it the crying again ?"; Sian asked
" Louder. Painful. "; Kain uttered
" What are you talking about ?"; Seilla asked
" It was just an earthquake. "; Volo said
" An earthquake ?"; Kain frowned
" You didn't feel it ?"; Sian asked with concern
Kain's eyes grew smaller as he tried to determine something, and than he had a shocking revelation :
" It is Nosgoth !"; he spoke
" What ?"
" Nosgoth cries for aid !"
" Nosgoth… "; Sian was puzzled :" … but what does it has to do with… "; he stopped him self before revealing too much in front of humans :" … you ?"
" We must ponder that later. "; Kain grudged :" ...after battle. "
" Do you have a plan ?"; Seilla asked
Kain nodded.
" What is it ?"; Volo practically repeated Seilla's question
" A blaze of fire… But first we must have their permission. "; Kain returned to the maps of the city and tapped on a certain place :" If memory serves, the entrance to the crypts should be here. Sian, you may come along, but no humans. "
" Hey, "; Seilla popped :" My men and I and all the people of this town depend on you ! I'm not letting you out of my sight until I see some results !"
Kain gazed upon her with a delightful smile :
" Your funeral. "
The two went for the dour and Seilla gulped. She hesitated briefly and than said to Volo :
" Stay here. "; he uttered to argue, but she would hear none of it :" Keep an eye on things. "; she ran after them :" Wait up !"
It was not a long way, though people slowed them down, running chaotically trying to avoid them, and to get a hold of as much guns as possible. The three went into an old four stories building and descended into the darkness of the basement. As the light dried out, Sian's hand became a flaming torch, just for the sake of Seilla. Vampires could see in the dark even better than on day light since the bright sun always hurt their eyes. When it seemed that they couldn't descend any lower, Kain tossed his magic and blew the part of the flour away, revealing a dark tunnel sloping even further beneath the earth. A raging cloud of dust and foul air practically exploded out of it, forcing Seilla to shield her face.
" I sense… "; Sian started :" … pain… and death within. "
" The dark gift is not nearly the worse faith. "; Kain spoke to him self and than to Seilla :" Last chance. "
" Will… will you not protect me ?"
Kain snorted half loud and went down. Sian went after him without hesitation. Alone now, Seilla shivered, and after a long breath ran down her self catching up with them. Dark tunnels were a maze of shelves and skeletons, remarkably preserved, despite the obvious age they've endured. It was astounding that such a mass tomb lay beneath the city all along and that no one ever discovered it. It must have stretched beneath the entire city if not longer. Sian's torch danced in accord with the shadows of this place, over bones, sand and dust as they walked by. Kain led them on trough endless turns, and Seilla lost track of her steps. Alone she was sure she would never find a way out. Next to her Sian was shacking. The place seemed to affect him in some dark way. His big eyes gazed around and the hand that was the torch showed signs of his unease. Seilla stuck as close as she could, muttering to her self that she was crazy for ever thinking of coming down here and that she needs to be shot in the head. Finally they came upon a round room, an intersection of corridors with a sort of a ceremonial circle drawn in the center of the flour. Kain stepped in and gestured them to join him.
" Show no fear. "; he said :" It provokes them. "
" Who ?"
" The damned… "; Sian uttered with sacred voice :" … they… are angry… We should not have stirred their peace. "
Kain closed his eyes and begun his chant :
" Malkuth, ve-Geburah, ve-Gedulah, le-Olahm…Adonay Eheih Agla… "
His voice echoed trough the silent dark. Four green flames ignited and surrounded the edges of the circle, burning in mid air five feet above the flour, and a gold glowing pentagram, inscribed in the circle, surfaced beneath their feet.
" Come forth, Bonefathers ! We summon thee to our midst !"
Something answered with a voice that sounded more like a gust wind blowing trough the empty corridors. Bones on the ground begun to muster, to rebuild, and four skeletal apparitions rose from the black flour, clothed in decaying flesh and large torn sheets of black. Rusty broken armors practically hung on them, and their helmets resembled heads of demons and monsters. Dirt and mud besmeared their bones. Empty eye sockets were burning with angry red light, and their bodies glided chaotically like they didn't know what wrists were for. Sian's torch vanished and Seilla drew more closely to the center of the ceremonial circle. Kain said not to be frightened, but it was way too late for that in her case.
" Sso long… "; one of them started :" …sssince light was present… "
" Sso long since words were sspoken… "; the second whispered
" Sso long since flesh graced uss with its presence !"; the third gapped his blackened jaw and all four went towards them, but an invisible barrier stopped them and the four green beacons shone more strongly.
" That's far enough !"; Kain spoke
Four apparitions howled in rage :
" Who else would refuse to pay our price ?"
" Who else would come to taunt uss ?"
" None, but Kain, the arrogant… "
" …Kain, the despicable !"
" … Kain, above all and beneath all !"
" Price and taunt…? "; Kain almost laughed :" We come to make you a deal. "
" A deal… "
" A deal we already have… "
" A deal isss all we have… "
" What deal ?"; Sian asked
The four specters begun their song :
" Thusss were our crimesss stated… "
" We were judged and the deal was made… "
" Who's sssteps lead in, do not lead out… "
" When stirred is our rest, the price must be paid… "
Seilla shuddered, but she couldn't get closer to the center. She was already on top of it. The specters howled behind four green flames :
" That which is coiled on the bone we shall uncoil… "
" Eternally shackled to our tombs we remain… "
" Your flesh will be our garments and your pain will boil... "
" That is our deal, that is our chain… "
Kain razed the soul reaver and its light illuminated the chamber :
" Behold the key for your shackles !"; he spoke :" It is in our power to grant you the bliss of oblivion !"
" Grant usss !"; the undead hissed :" Grant usss ! Grant usss ! Grant usss ! "
" In exchange, your legion of the damned must stay slumbering while humans defile their tombs !"; Kain demanded
" The legion… "
" The whole legion !"
" Oblivion for us all !"
" There… there are m-more of… of these things ?"; Seilla whispered to Sian
" Many more. "; he nodded nervously
" What was I thinking when I came down here !"; she shrieked silently
" Just the four oldest !"; Kain said strongly :" Four Bonefathers. "
" Oblivion for us all !"; they shouted
" All or nothing !"
Kain hissed back at them :
" You dare refuse our bid ! I am Kain ! Soul reaver nestles in my claw ! You dare disrespect us !"
"A battle above won't wait for us to linger down here, releasing your followers !"; Sian said
" He-he-he-he…": the litches laughed like snakes ;" Selfish flesh expects us to be selfish !"
" What respect for above do you think we have ?"
" What fear of you do you hope we have ?"
" There is no hell grater than our deal… "
" … but there is no one here who would except your cheep bid… "
" We have no time for this. "; Sian told his sire
" That's my final word, Litch-lords !"; Kain hissed
The specters swayed in disappointing howls :
" No deal…"
" Your flesh will clothe our bones… "
" Green mold and dust… "
" … until time grinds you slowly… "
At once the four specters razed their voices and the tombs responded in an echo. Dust and webs rose on the draft and the legion of the damned stepped forth. Skeletons in burial shrouds started to limp out of every tunnel, their eyes shimmering with ghastly light and thorny fingers clacking in their palms. Cries of dust pillowed trough their jaws, and festering bones rattled in their approach.
" Errr… Kain… "; Seilla spoke to him :" Now would be a good time for plan B… "
Kain returned the reaver on his back and joined his palms together. An orb of white magic appeared, but it vanished the next moment. A laugher circled outside the ring. He tried again and gained the same effect. Empty eye sockets blazed with red and blue piercing the veil of darkness like stars pierce the night.
" We'll have to fight our way out. "; Kain told them
Sian's chain grew white with heat and became a flail once again. Seilla grabbed hold of her gun and prayed for the stillness of her hand, and Kain didn't reach for the reaver rather than his red claws. He would be damned if he would allow Raziel to release these insolent wretches. Specters grabbed phantom swords and ghostly spears of mist and spirit, and the four wards begun to fade and to grow thin as they attacked them from the outside. The cursed ones were to break trough Kain's invisible barrier any moment.
Seilla was panting in terror. This was not what she had in mind. Not only that these monsters would have her hide for their underwear, but also Kain's plan went down the drain, what ever it was. He needed the permission of these ghosts to fulfill his intent, and now it would be good if they get out in one piece. The wards begun to fade and a loud howl of their hosts was singing their delight. There had to be something she could do, some way out of this mess…
" Stop !"; she yelled attracting all the attention onto her self. Once the room was quiet she stepped forth facing the nearest of the four Bonefathers :" I will give you what you ask in exchange for what Kain asks. "
Kain and Sian stared at her amazed, tiny brave human willing to go to hell for the sake of blind hope.
" Don't do this, my lady !"; Sian shouted :" I'll protect you ! We'll fight our way out !"
" How would we keep the trust of your men if we would to return without you ?"; Kain asked
She turned to them with a smiled face :
" You'll find a way… "; she sighed :" You… just… win for me as well. Ok ?"
The ghosts looked at each other :
" Thingss…have gone bad above… "
" … when mortal flesh sacrifices for a vampire's cause. "
" So what !"; Seilla popped at them :" What do you care ? Here !"; she stepped out of the protective ring :" And, may you… may you linger here for twice as long !"
" No !"; Sian shouted and tried to go after her, but Kain stopped him
At once the damned backed away before her, observing her surprised, and a laughter broke trough the ranks of the legion :
" Noble flesh… "
" … noble mortal… "
" … brave heart… "
" … you broke our deal !"
" What ?"; she asked amazed. Kain and Sian frowned
" Thus was our deal made… "
" …our crimes were thus our plight. "
" An eternity of shadow's blade… "
" … until a brave heart shows true might !"
The ghosts begun to fade and their bones disintegrated into sand. Fire of their eyes expired and they fell apart, leaving them alone.
" Thank you… noble one… thank you… "
Once it was over Seilla couldn't help but to collapse. Fortunately, Sian caught her and she sighed vividly relieved. She was shacking like a twig on a storm, but still she razed her smile at the two vampires :
" We s-sure s-s-showed them… h-huh ?"
" I'd never guess. "; Kain muttered and joined his palms again, this time transporting them out easily.
They were back in the room with maps. Sian helped Seilla to a chair and Volo brought her a glass of water. She was still shaken, but most satisfied about the outcome. Kain smiled nodding at her approvingly, and Sian whispered :
" You would make an excellent vampire. "; she uttered to say something but he just stopped her with his palm :" When ever you are ready, it will be my privilege. "
At those words Volo grew angry :
" Just dare to touch her, monster and I'll… "
" Volo !"; Kain suddenly spoke beside him :" A word. Alone. "; he turned and left to a smaller room, leading the way.
Volo grudged and after passing his hand over his gun he followed him in. As he entered, the dour closed on their one but he tried to ignore it. The room was a small office with a neat desk of papers, a shelf with books and more papers on its left side and a window on front. A crystal chandelier illuminated it. Kain was at the window staring at the streets :
" How long since you sold out ?"; he asked
Volo frowned :
" What… "
At once he couldn't breathe. An invisible noose tightened around his neck. He tried to grab for a gun, but it tightened harder forcing him on his knees. Kain didn't even turn to him. His wings casually twitched behind him like trying to shake something off. Volo's fingers desperately searched for the cord that was chocking him but there was nothing but his skin and he scratched it to the blood trying to make the air flow. But Kain didn't kill him. He allowed just enough air to keep him conscious and incapacitated.
" Your kind never learns. "; Kain shook his head and turned to him :" Humans die and live and die and so on, and they keep making the same mistakes over and over and over again… Boring. "
" … I… don't… know… what… "; Volo chocked again as Kain tightened the squeeze
" You think we don't recognize the stench of treason ?"; Kain asked him smiling
At once his grip was gone and Volo tossed his head up and took a load full of wanted air. His head was splitting but still he used his gun and took a shot at Kain :
" Help !"; he shouted at the dour :" He's going to kill me !"
But no one answered. He was screaming as he resumed shooting, but none of his shots got to the target. Kain was catching them in mid air and they would burn out in his claws. No meter where he would aim, Kain was faster, and than his gun got out of his hand and away to the wall. At once Kain grabbed him by the throat and pressed him on the book shelf :
" Who do you think you're dealing with ?"; Kain hissed :" You are in our world now and we are its horror ! Dare to lie again ; What did they promise you when you became their spy ?"
" I'm… not afraid… of you… "; Volo spoke
" Afraid ? You don't know the meaning of fear !"; Kain snarled and Volo's hair stood up :" But we'll teach you… oh yes… we will teach you… "; he snarled again
" All right !"; he sighed :" Seilla… "
" What about her ?"
" That… that we'll… she and I… a life… together… "
Kain released him and he slipped on the flour :
" I… I love her…"; Volo sobbed :" But she… she has eyes only for this war… and for everyone else except for me… Yes, I became their spy, so she would be spared when they finally kill us all. "
" At what price, selfish one ?"
" Price ?"; he laughed :" It has already bean paid. "; he stood up and pointed out the window :" Take a look out there, monster ! There's nothing they don't already have !"
Kain did turn, but he just came to the desk :
" They don't have Commander Seilla. But you were willing to give them that too. "
" What are you now ?"; he shouted :" Judge, jury and an executioner ? Or a marriage councilor, on top of that ? I grabbed for a straw… that was all I could. "; Kain snorted and he continued :" So now what ? Are you going to kill me ?"
" Unfortunately, not. "; Kain smiled and turned :" We could use you in a far more interesting way… "
" You would trust me ?"; Volo frowned
An orange flame with black chunks like worms circling its core appeared in Kain's hand :
" We insure our trust. "
The flame he tossed struck his chest and entered his flesh without a wound. At once he fell to his knees in pain. It was ripping his heart apart, like his organs were about to burst. He screamed and moaned, but soon got too week for anything but squealing. The pain started to reduce and he could hear Kain's words clearly :
" A nasty curse. If you move to betray us in a word or a gesture, it will kill you quite horribly. If you disobey us this pain will grow until you change your mind. You are our tool now. Serve well and you'll earn your freedom back. "
" …when… "; he moaned
" When your use to both sides is depleted. The freedom of your thoughts and feelings is yours but your allegiance is ours. "
Volo felt horrible, like his stomach was being melted within him and the acid pored into his interior. But he had no choice but to comply. The pain subsided and he stood up, insecurely still feeling the bitterness of his memories. It was stinging his mind and despite the fact that he actually felt all right, he couldn't stop feeling disgusted about what was done to him. It was like his very soul cried of despair and helplessness.
" Only… only you would do a thing this… cruel… "; he said broken :" May… may I at least have this a secret ?... If Seilla… "
" Silence !"; Kain growled, and Volo swallowed the rest of it :" Your pitiful desires are your own concern ! Give her lie or give her truth if you think she's worthy ether, we don't care ! But first you are going to call your former employers and tell them exactly what we say… "
After a while Kain and Volo reentered the room where Sian and Seilla were. The female commander has recovered and was on her feet and Sian took a moment to observe Volo, who seemed quite different than before he entered. What ever Kain did to him, it spooked him good, but this time he couldn't smile sadistically to Kain's skill. He didn't have a grudge against the man, aside from his constant picking on him and Kain. Kain's magic hid them from their ears and senses and it seemed that the mess in the room was cleared up the same way. He was willing to bet it was much louder than what they've heard, but he wasn't going to tell Seilla about it.
" A most fortunate circumstance !"; Kain marveled at the event in the tombs :" Send word to every able hand ; let them start setting the charges !"
At once Seilla forgot about everything :
" The charges ? In the tunnels ? What the hell are you talking about ?"
Kain ignored her :
" Once they are done, lead the warriors out in the eastern and western woods, and those that are not in the northern mountains. Yes… that will do. "
" But what about explosives ?"; Seilla got before him and faced him :" What do you intend to do ?"
" Win. "; Kain said and grudged :" Their army moves fast. This duty is yours, while we clip their wings. "; than he turned to Sian:" What is the greatest fear, Sian ?"
His son smiled :
" You ?"
Kain giggled :
" You flatter us. The greatest fear is the Spawn of Nothing ! In nothingness the true terror resides. "
" Fascinating. "; Seilla rolled her eyes sarcastically :" But… the bombs ? Explosives ? We have enough of it to blow up the city !"
" Use all of it !"; Kain hissed delightfully :" Trough out all the tunnels ! And find all of those… holographic projectors you can. "
" What are you going to do with those ?"; she snapped ridiculously
" Place a bait on a hook !"; he faced Sian again :" We drank plenty of usurper's blood. Their means of communication are opened to us… Watch and learn, Sian… "
He closed his eyes and went into silent focus. What ever he was doing now, it seemed only Sian knew. Annoyed, Seilla sighed loudly and left to do as Kain said, leaving the two vampires to play together. She was really angry with all the puzzles and cryptic talk, but in the situation such as this, she could only grab hold for straws and be happy she got as much. And why was Volo so quiet all of the sudden ? That old monster, sure did love to confuse people around him, but he was all she had, and her only hope to get trough this.
Lazaruss : Uhhhh... This makes me very angry ! ( banging his stupid apsolite modem with a hammer ). Any way, there you have it folks. That's it from me for... forever. I won't be writing any more ever again since you haven't reviewed me enough.
Ha ! Gotcha ! I still have more things to add, though some more reviews would be nice... Untill next time ( after my exames )