Disclaimer: I do not own the Naturals in anyway . I do own Karliah , the name Blood Harvest , the research on vampires and werewolves , the Coven , Valor , and Undead Vampires , the Collector , and the story itself . I have several OCs and my own creatures that may appear in this story , if you want to use them that ' s fine , but please give credit.
Chapter 4 : Arcania
Arcania - Dining Hall
It had been a couple of days since the group had arrived at Arcania and they were all now in the private section of the dining hall to talk , even Chase was there .
" I have given everyone time to calm down since we arrived at Arcania because tempers were flaring when we first got here after dealing with black dogs , " Andy said looking at the group in the room .
Oslow was at the back table looking on as he wasn ' t sure what was going on and Chase was in the same boat even though Andy had told him everything as both of them ate on what the cooks had brought them giving Spark a chance to eat as well , both Chase and Spark were happy with the warmth the magical flames gave off compared with the winter ' s chill outside the walls of the school . Lex was up on the stairs of some lookout curious at how the Vampire Prince was going to handle this meeting , almost looking amused at this whole thing . Dimitri had advised Andy to speak with Lucas on the secret mission while alone as it would make Lucas better receptive than calling him out on it in front of everyone . Lucas was actually sitting at a table far away from Tyson and Karliah while Tyson and Karliah were actually getting on better speaking terms since everything started going on with their eldest brother . Dimitri was the only one who was at the Vampire Prince ' s side right now to deal with everything as Archmagister Saladira decided to sit out as the problems didn ' t involve him and he had students to attend to at Arcania .
" We ' re not gonna talk about the mission , " Lucas stated .
" Not here , but you will come find me later so we can talk about this alone , " Andy getting tired of Lucas ' s temper and lashing out at everyone including him .
" Andy , " Karliah said .
" No , no , what ' s wrong with all of you ? Outside of Oslow , all of us went out to the Northwatch Abbey together to deal with the Monk Order and we dealt with it together bringing the vampire orphans to a safe place , so , why can ' t you guys get it together ? " Andy asked .
" Get it , together , " Lucas said .
" Yes , stop the petty fighting amongst yourselves and this infighting amongst the vampire community is a problem , " Andy said .
" What do you know about what happened to this world in the last millennia ? " Lucas asked Andy .
" Not much , but I think it was you guys who came to me at the Ancestor ' s Stone to explain all of the dark things going on in this world and how everything fell apart because no one could get over their own devices that kept them from doing the right thing . Apparently , things get so bad the Monk Order went unchecked for years , doing things to innocent children that shouldn ' t have been done , and your own father sent your mother to stop it , but none of you noticed because of some war amongst who ? " Andy asked .
" The vampire community , " Lex said .
" The one person that you guys thought was all evil and trying to bring us down had most of the information ready to give to the Elder Council and they wouldn ' t listen , you guys wouldn ' t listen , " Andy said no longer scared of Lex , understanding him more than he had previously about the problems surrounding this world he was now apart of since he became the Vampire Prince .
" I ' m evil ? " Lex asked .
" You are the Collector , " Tyson said .
" Yes , I collect artifacts and knowledge , not creatures , " Lex said .
" But , you took one of the Alpha ' s sons , " Tyson said .
" With the full intent on giving him back after I studied him , I needed to know if this next generation ' s leaders were capable of handling the troubles left behind by there predecessors that ran this world nearly into the ground . In Desmond and Samuel ' s time , no one would have questioned the Vampire Prince , but here you are with the one person who can help you , who actually thinks like Desmond and fights like Samuel and you have some questioning him and ready to fight when he ' s actually trying to help solve the problems . " Lex said .
" Even if he is the Vampire Prince , he ' s still young and new to our ways , he ' s a newborn with adult responsibilities , " Lucas said .
" He ' s doing pretty good so far from where I ' m sitting , " Oslow said before sticking an slice of apple in his mouth .
" I don ' t know which lycan you are , but I like you already , sir , " Lex said .
" Oslow , Lone Wolf , tracker and hunter , at your service , " Oslow said .
" Oslow , " Lucas said .
" Maybe , Andy is just what we need around here , so , many of our own in this world is so set in their ways and there ' s so much darkness that has entered into the world that the Great Alliance died protecting this world against all because we couldn ' t put our differences aside after Samuel died and left the evil to go unchecked . It ' s the reason this warlock is out now , it ' s the reason for the Black Dogs being out in full force close to a magic source that they normally wouldn ' t approach , and probably the reason for the events out at the Northwatch Abbey against the Monk Order . " Dimitri said .
" I agree , " Oslow said still eating apple slices .
" Mmm , " Chase groaned feeling the pain back in his left arm .
" Are you okay ? " Karliah asked .
" Yeah , it ' s feeling stiff again , " Chase said .
" Hoo , " Spark looked at Chase worried .
" I will be alright , Spark , " Chase said looking at his arm .
" Maybe , you should go back to the infirmary , even though you seem to be healing well and eating to get your strength back , you still have wounds that need tending to , Chase , " Lex said .
" Thanks for the advice , " Chase said .
" Alright , everyone just think on what I said for now , " Andy said figuring it was time to wrap everything up since Chase was beginning to feel bad again .
" Very well , " Tyson said .
" Everyone is dismissed , " Andy sighed before going over to Chase whispering in his ear to go to the infirmary and get some rest .
" Sure , bro , " Chase said getting up and taking Spark with him going back to the infirmary to get his wounds medicated and dressed , so , he could rest .
Andy decided to feed on some fresh blood to cool his head and tension before going to talk to Lucas alone .
" What do you need ? " Lucas asked as Andy found him in one of the studies looking over some old books .
" We ' re alone , with no one else around , so , tell me about the mission , " Andy said .
" You can ' t stop it , I ' ve been on this thing since some stuff was stolen from our family vault on the estate . " Lucas said .
" I never said anything about stopping it , just to tell me about it , you left without any warning and acting strange , causing your own family to worry about you . Tyson came to me worried that you were about to do something stupid and we came out here to stop you and if you haven ' t noticed my brother became a target to black dogs . " Andy said .
" How much did Tyson tell you ? " Lucas asked .
" What ? " Andy looked at him .
" I know he told you about Ava , but how much did he tell you ? " Lucas asked .
" Just that she was killed by a warlord and liquid silver , " Andy said .
" So , you can understand how I felt about the monks trying to do the same thing to the orphan vampires they were suppose to protect , " Lucas said .
" Yeah , I understand it , " Andy said .
" Our youngest , mine and Ava ' s youngest was barely a year old when she was killed , it was more than just keeping them off of the estate , the warlord ' s subordinates broke into the family vault , stole some things that were important to the family and sold them on the black market . Some of those things were locked away to keep the magic from getting out or as family heirlooms for our children , one of those things was a Scrying Globe , kind of like a crystal ball , but used to scry for missing people or strange energy readings that could be trouble for our world . This Scrying Globe in the wrong hands could be trouble for anyone of us , so , I was out here looking for it before this thing could do more damage than it already has , " Lucas said .
" Than it already has ? " Andy asked .
" The warlock found it on the black market , after we were through with the artifacts from the Northwatch Abbey , Camden saw the energy readings and showed them to me out in this area and I realized that this is close to where Oslow said the warlock met him . So , I came out here to see the historians at the school to find out more about this Scrying Globe my father got a hold of and what it could do . " Lucas said .
" And ? " Andy asked .
" The stupid warlock used it to find an energy source and open a magical gate to their Kennel , " Lucas said .
" Their Kennel ? " Andy asked curiously .
" The alpha males and females of the black dogs , " Lucas said .
" So , they ' re more of them , " Andy said .
" Before Desmond sacrificed himself and closed the spiritual gates or magical gates to some people , some creatures lived in this world in abundance like the black dogs . But , these creatures were infinitely evil and dark , so , to lessen the chance of them reproducing in great numbers , Desmond and his allies started locking them behind powerful , magical gates in the spirit world , cages designed to contain their energy from being a plague on the world . The black dogs were one of those creatures , so , he took the alphas , both male and female and locked them away in gates far apart from each other to prevent breeding even if one was ever opened , and to keep people from finding the locations , he hid the information in the Scrying Globe . On average scales in the past , you may see black dogs in groups of five , but never as big as the pack we saw the other day , and none of them have been as big , as powerful , and as smart as the alpha male that attacked , Chase . I mean no disrespect to your friend , brother , whatever you call Chase , but if he hadn ' t been taught by the lycans in Meridia how to fight , if he hadn ' t received magical protection , and experienced battle like he did out at the Northwatch Abbey , he wouldn ' t have survived the attack from the big male . More , is out there and they are reproducing and they ' re not afraid of the magical residue like they were in the past , it may still scare them when in use , but they still seemed drawn to the energy as if they crave it . " Lucas said .
" And you think this came from the Scrying Globe or the warlock ? " Andy asked .
" Or both , maybe even some unknown energy from the spirit world of the Kennel they ' ve been kept in . Going after the warlock right now , without adequate training and with your friend hurt right now , maybe a suicidal mission , and that ' s not me being defiant , it ' s my honest suggestion on the situation . " Lucas said .
" I ' m planning on waiting anyway until the blizzard outside clears up , Chase heals up from the injuries , and to restore our supplies . " Andy said .
" Very well , sir , " Lucas said .
" This warlock seems to have a lot going on right now , kidnapping people as slaves , buying stolen items off of the black market , and now trying to control these black dogs . Seems like a lot for just a pissed off warlock and reckless if he doesn ' t know quite what he ' s doing especially with the creatures . " Andy said .
" Exactly my thoughts , but he still could be a problem if you rush in without a plan , back up , and working at full strength . " Lucas said .
" Do you think the mages here , know him ? " Andy asked .
" Maybe , he started off here learning magic , but then got tired of the rules and regulations that protect most mages and provides them with a safety net while practicing magic , as it can get dangerous when magic is in the wrong hands and with people who would misuse their powers and abilities . " Lucas said .
" Then , I will ask the archmagister what he thinks of this warlock , " Andy said excusing himself .
" Yes sir , " Lucas said going back to his studying .
Karliah came over to Andy as he left the private study Lucas was using to do research on his mission .
" Are you okay ? " Karliah asked seeing a little bit of stress on Andy ' s face .
" Now that Chase is on the mend and Lucas has cleared up somethings with me then yes , I am feeling better , but there ' s something I need to tell you in private , " Andy said taking her to the room they were using .
" What is it ? " Karliah asked .
Andy told her everything Lucas told him making Karliah gasp and look at him .
" Lucas , has been dealing with more than we originally thought and Camden has been helping him from the shadows , it ' s normal in this world to work like this if you don ' t want to draw attention and panic to a situation that could be resolved or cause more problems later on . It ' s a stealth mission , usually only assigned to one person and in the know by those who need-to-know , the mission giver , the mission receiver , and sometimes one other person . " Karliah explained .
" We all need to be prepared to take on this warlock when we get to him , " Andy said .
" We will be ready , " Karliah said .
" Good , " Andy said .
" I checked on Chase while you were talking with Lucas , the nurse put more medicine on him and dressed the wounds , and he and Spark were both asleep when I went in to see him . " Karliah said .
" Good , let him get his rest and recover from the injuries , I need my partner at my side with these problems mounting up , " Andy said .
" Have you fed ? " Karliah asked .
" Yes , before I spoke to Lucas , " Andy said .
" Then get some rest newborn , you need it after the talk earlier with everyone and the events the last few days . " Karliah said .
" Yes , ma ' am , " Andy said going into where the bed was at to get some sleep himself as he was feeling fatigued .
It didn ' t take the Vampire Prince long to go to sleep making Karliah snuggle up next to him on the bed to get some rest herself from the long trip and the worrying . When Andy finally woke up not long after midday had past he looked over at Karliah sleeping peacefully next to him happy that she was taking the time to rest herself . He looked out the window at the snow coming down , but still amazed at how the magical flames around Arcania kept the inside of magic school from freezing as it felt comfortable around the school . Despite him not being affected by the cold , he saw humans around the area being able to study and practice magic without having to worry about freezing . An attendant saw to the blue and purple flames regularly , making sure all of them were working right and remained lit around the school , even outside on the grounds around the stone walls .
" Hmm , " Karliah started to stir .
" And she ' s awake , " Andy said .
" Having to babysit you and Chase is tiresome work , so , whatever sleep I can get I take it , newborn , " Karliah said .
" I ' m not that bad , Chase maybe , but not me . " Andy said chuckling as she teased him .
" Yeah , you are , " Karliah stretched .
" Are you sure we are safe in these walls ? " Andy asked as he looked out at the blizzard at what appeared to be more black dogs in the distance .
" Yes , this is one of the most secure places in the world , why ? " Karliah asked .
" Them , " Andy said pointing out the dogs .
" They could still have Chase ' s scent with the blood spilled , but they also are more active in the dark or in blizzards and rainstorms where the sun doesn ' t shine the brightest . " Karliah said .
" But , they won ' t come in here ? " Andy asked .
" No , even if they tried , some of the best mages in the world live here and they wouldn ' t allow them to get that close to the school . " Karliah said .
" Okay , if you ' re that confident then I believe you . " Andy said satisfied .
After the two got cleaned up , they went down and found the blood supplier getting a pack to satisfy their thirst before going to check on Chase who was up and looking better than earlier .
" The healers told me that I can be out and around , but to come back if I start hurting or feel fatigued again . " Chase said .
" You are going to drive me insane one day , brother , " Andy said .
" If I haven ' t done it yet , then you are immuned , Andy , " Chase said .
" Children , " Karliah said as they found Dimitri in the main hall with a little , brunette-haired vampire girl in an emerald , green robe and little , black boots .
" I ' m not a child , " Chase said as they approached Dimitri .
" Still on about this thing with Chase being a child ? " Dimitri asked .
" I ' m not a child , " Chase said again .
" Heh , heh , you ' re funny , " The little girl laughed at Chase making his jaw drop open .
" Who is this ? " Andy asked .
" This is my daughter , Jasmine , " Dimitri said .
" Are you the Vampire Prince ? " Jasmine asked .
" I think , so , but don ' t tell anyone , " Andy whispered to her making Jasmine laugh .
" She ' s starting her first year here at magic school , " Dimitri said .
" She has an aptitude for magic ? " Karliah asked .
" The head lady of my family said she had been showing signs of being able to use magic and one of the mages here was able to sense energy from her . " Dimitri said making Jasmine hug her dad .
" Is it best to start them young or what ? " Chase asked .
" It ' s best to start magic training whenever they show the skills and magical energy for it , but some think the younger the better . " Dimitri said .
" And people trying to learn magic at an older age ? " Chase asked curious after the archmagister invited him to learn magic after his arm finished healing up and he got his strength back in it .
" It really depends on the person , some people learn quicker than others at any age , it doesn ' t matter if it ' s adult or child , or even if you ' re human , vampire , or lycan . " Dimitri said .
" Hmm , " Chase said .
" Hoo , " Spark wandering out to Chase ' s good shoulder after the fizz ' s nap .
" Are you a fizz ? " Jasmine asked .
" Hoo , Hoo , " Spark said .
" You ' re kind of cute , " Jasmine said .
" Meee , hhheee , " Spark did something of a blush that turned out more yellow than red as if he was acting bashful at being called cute .
" Alright , baby , we need to get you to class , " Dimitri said .
" Yes , dad , bye , " Jasmine said .
" We ' ll see you later , " Karliah said to Dimitri and Jasmine .
" Heee , ooo , " Spark looked at Chase .
" Yeah , I heard her , " Chase said .
" Meee , " Spark looking pleased .
" He ' s been acting different since we arrived here , " Andy pointed out .
" It ' s probably the magical energy , it fuels him since his very being is made up of strong magic . " Karliah said .
" Eeee , " Spark said as he start sending off small current .
" Easy buddy , I ' m not shock proof . " Chase warned .
" Hoo , " Spark said calming down before rubbing his head on Chase in affection .
" You sure were asking a lot of questions about magic , " Karliah said .
" Archmagister Saladira invited me to study magic here with them , " Chase said .
" You must have the ability and skills to harness magic since we gave you the Shield powers and through the use of Power Stones . " Karliah said .
" That ' s what Saladira said to me , " Chase said .
" Are you gonna take it ? " Karliah asked .
" Yeah , I ' m curious by all of this , " Chase said looking at his arm .
" Are you hurting again ? " Andy asked .
" No , just thinking , " Chase said looking up at the balcony where Lex normally was at studying over maps and calendars .
" What ? " Andy asked .
" It ' s nothing , " Chase said .
" Chase , " Karliah said .
" I ' m fine , guys , " Chase said going up the balcony steps not seeing Lex .
" He ... " Karliah started .
" Let him be , you ' re not going to get him to talk by force , I ' ll handle it when we ' re alone . " Andy said .
" Okay , " Karliah said .
" Catch up with us later , " Andy called to him .
" Sure , " Chase called back as they left him to do what he pleased .
Chase looked at the maps and calendars the Collector had been using not understanding any of them as the map looked different compared to the ones of his own world and the calendars were based on the vampire , lycan , and human calendar of the hidden world and not the world Chase had come from . As he looked around at the book shelves around the balcony wall , he walked the length looking at them until he came to one that read , Power Stones wandering at it as he looked at the Force Power Stone on his wrist and Vision Power Stone hanging on his belt .
" How many are there ? " Chase asked pulling the book from the shelf looking through it at the different power stones .
" Several , " Lex said as he entered from a back room on the top floor into the study area of the balcony .
" Why are you here at the magic school instead of caring for your son ? " Chase asked .
" He ' s cared for kid , and I check in on him when I can , but there ' s some threats out in the world that need to be dealt with , and I don ' t like the idea of leaving it for his generation to deal with because my generation failed to take action and left a mess behind to be taken care of by everyone now . " Lex said .
" Is this warlock just another mess ? " Chase asked .
" Seems like it and probably the black dogs who attacked you as well , " Lex said .
" Why was everyone so blind to it ? " Chase asked .
" I wish I knew kid , when I grew up at Hawthorne City I was surrounded by the brightest minds this world had to offer , but even they couldn ' t see past their own devices and you have seen the result of it out at the Northwatch Abbey , the fighing amongst everyone , the black dogs , and even this warlock . " Lex said .
" Anyway to defend against them , " Chase looked out the window at the black dogs in the distance .
" I hear , you are about to start learning magic ? " Lex asked .
" Yes , why ? " Chase asked .
" Then wait until you start learning light magic , kid , as you don ' t see black dogs out in the day or when it ' s bright out as they oppose the light . " Lex said .
" Okay , " Chase said looking back at the power stones .
" The power stones were created by humans as aids on the battlefield after seeing the Ancestor ' s Stone and those of it ' s like , if you ever get the chance to see the others do so and make sure to receive the powers from them . As each one is a complement to the others and will be useful when the dam breaks and lets loose this darkness that is coming for this world and maybe the other world , too , kid . " Lex said .
" So , you think whatever this is will effect both worlds ? " Chase asked .
" Yes , the two worlds are two halves of the same coin , they can ' t exist with out the other and with as much darkness is in this world right now , I would guess that yours isn ' t any better right now . " Lex said .
" No , it ' s been getting worse between the wars and the disasters , " Chase knew his own world was just as much in a mess as this one .
" They both tend to have the same problems at the same time , " Lex said .
" Yeah , " Chase said .
" You should go and see the rest of Arcania , there ' s a room in the east wing that maybe useful in restoring your strength or at least wash away the aches and pains , it has a spring that ' s quite peaceful with flora growing around the room feeding from the spring . Talk to the attendant there and she will let you into one of the hot springs with herbs and minerals that will help you heal from the black dog ' s bite a lot quicker . " Lex said .
" How do you know all of this stuff ? " Chase asked .
" Most of the time it ' s through reading and studying , but this one came through my own experience with a black dog . " Lex said .
" Then I will go , " Chase said .
" Kid , don ' t think that you survived on luck , " Lex said .
" What ? " Chase asked .
" I know what they are saying around here , so , you ' ve probably heard it , too , about the reason you survived . " Lex said .
" Yeah , it ' s because of the stones and my experiences at the Northwatch Abbey , " Chase said .
" It ' s more than that , when I first met you , even if I overpowered you , you were already strong enough to get me off of my game then and since then you have taken every opportunity to get strong . The training you received at the wolf den in Meridia which prepared you for the Shield powers being transferred to you from the Ancestor ' s Stone which helped you in the ruins and against Eli the first time , you recieved the Force Power Stone through helping someone out of the goodness of your heart without expecting anything in return and the Vision Power Stone from me because of your resolve to pass through the harshest conditions to stop innocent children from being murdered in cold blood by corrupt monks who abused their station in life , and you willingly came out here , putting yourself in danger against the weather and black dogs to save someone you thought was about to harm themselves and to stop this warlock from enslaving innocent people through abuse of power and magic . You are not weak , Chase , those who call you out because of your connection to the other world and because of your willingness to aid those who need it without experting anything in return and from the goodness of your heart makes you stronger than some of the best warriors in both worlds . " Lex said .
" You said that we would have to fight one day , so , why are you helping me ? " Chase asked .
" Because you are my successor , the next leader of the Sanctified Knights and to have even the hope of taking that title will mean having to best me in combat , meaning you coming at me with the full intent of taking my life kid . " Lex said before leaving the area .
" But , " Chase started before stopping himself .
Chase looked at Spark on his shoulder before going back down towards the infirmary finding Andy and Saladira deep in conversation .
" Are you alright ? " Andy asked .
" Yes , I ' m good , just had a conversation with Lex , " Chase said .
" One of the brightest students to ever study here , " Saladira said .
" Is he one of the Sanctified Knights ? " Chase asked .
" He was the last one chosen and the only one of them still alive , Lex , takes his position as one of them very serious and performs his duty quite admirably . " Saladira said making Andy look at the archmagister .
" What about me ? Lex says I am his successor ? " Chase asked .
" You are showing signs of having the ability and skills to become one both in combat and in your gift to harness strong magic . When you first came in here and was put in the pod used to drain the black dog venom from your wounds , the readings we use here to test magical energy was off the charts , meaning you have the strength to use strong magic , stronger than you ' ve experience so far with the Shield and power stones . The only time anyone seen magical readings this strong , was back during the time of the Desmond , the first ever Vampire Prince, in a strong and noble man named , Chalin . " Saladira said .
" Chalin ? " Chase and Andy both asked .
" The leader of the very first Sanctified Knights and the one who stood with Desmond and the first Alpha Male against Desolate and the Red Oxen , " Saladira said .
" I see , " Chase said .
" Even if you don ' t have the strength to wield a sword or cast magic with your arm still healing , I would suggest you take the time to sit in on the history classes , they may help both of you understand this world and take the time to check out any number of our books here or talk to the experts . " Saladira said .
" Do you know a historian named Jezelle ? " Andy asked .
" Yes , she lives , studies , and teachs here at the school , she ' s one of the leading researchers and historians on Desmond and Celestia , " Saladira said .
" I am after an artifact that may be connected to Desmond , " Andy said .
" Then Jezelle would be the only one who could help you , " Saladira said .
" And , Lex said something about a hot spring ? " Chase asked .
" Yes , in the east wing , it ' s used to heal aches and pains , maybe it could help with your injuries , " Saladira said .
" We may be staying here a little bit longer than we originally planned , Archmagister Saladira , " Andy said .
" As I said when you first arrived , you and your friends are welcome here anytime , so , stay as long as you like sir , " Saladira did a respectful bow to Andy before dismissing himself to go see to his students .
" I kind of like him , " Chase said .
" Yeah , so , hot springs ? " Andy asked .
" I ' m just saying what I was told , " Chase said looking at a thing on his bedside table in the infirmary that said something about a hot spring with minerals in the book of things to see around Arcania .
" Where did you get that ? " Andy asked .
" One of the nurses left it behind , so , I wouldn ' t get bored from resting , " Chase said .
" Bored from resting ? " Andy asked .
" Come on , bro , you know I ' m not the resting type , " Chase said .
" No , of course not , " Andy sighed .
" What ' s wrong with you ? " Chase asked curiously .
" Nothing , let ' s go see this hot spring , " Andy said pushing Chase out the door .
" Hee hee , " Spark said laughing at the two .
" Be careful with the arm , jeez , man we really need to figure you out , " Chase said .
" We ' ll get started on figuring me out , when we ' re done with your crazy head first , Chase . " Andy said .
" Somebody needs to invent decaf-blood for vampires , Andy , Prince of Impatience could benefit from it , " Chase said as they headed to the east wing of Arcania .
East Wing
Andy and Chase went down into the east wing of magic school to find an armory and clothing designer down at one end of the hall , general trade store next door to the armory and clothier , a massage therapist close to the hot springs , and the door that actually led out to the hot springs and bath area .
" Wow , this school has everything and I mean absolutely everything , including an Oslow in the general trade store , " Chase said seeing the lycan .
" Evening , are you guys on business or pleasure down here ? " Oslow asked .
" Going to the hot springs , " Andy said pointing at Chase ' s injured arm .
" Pleasure then , but some say business is a pleasure , so , why should I argue , " Oslow said looking at the vendor at the general trade store counter .
" Yes sir , " The vendor said wondering why he was apart of the conversation .
" Just get me my money for the mountain lion claws and fangs ? " Oslow asked the man .
" Yes sir , " The vendor getting the cash out for Oslow giving it to him .
" Thank you , " Oslow said as he left the store , counting the cash before putting it in a money purse , stashing the purse safely on his person .
" Are you heading out ? " Andy asked .
" Not for a long time , there ' s another Hunter ' s Lodge just north of here , I ' m going to lend a hand with dealing with the pack outside of the school perimeter until we are ready to move . I already told the heads of Arcania what I know about the warlock and they are looking into it , if you need me before then send word and I will come back , that includes when you are ready to go after the creepy mage . But , in the mean time something needs to be done about the black dogs attacking people along the roads and paths out here , plus , it ' s a lucrative opportunity for a lone wolf like me to get business off these things , like a bounty hunter . " Oslow said as they went to the armory shop with him .
" Can I help you ? " The blacksmith asked .
" I need some arrows and give me a couple of the medium size spears , all silver , sir , " Oslow said .
" Yes sir , " The blacksmith said getting a few bundles of silver arrows and about five silver spears from the back of the shop .
" Thank you , " Oslow paying him .
" Anything else ? " The blacksmith asked .
" Do you know if any of the mages around here use anything from black dogs in their alchemy or research ? " Oslow asked .
" I ' m not sure , sir , you would have to ask them , " The blacksmith said .
" And what about animal bones or anything you may need , sir ? " Oslow asked .
" I take bones and pelts to use in arms and armor , sir , and some of the mages use bones in alchemy , but once again you would have to ask them about actual people to sell them to , the vendor at the alchemy desk in the west wing around the big greenhouses and orchards maybe able to help you better than I can . Plus , you could ask the infirmary about the medicinal uses for bones and various other animal parts you may hunt , " The blacksmith said to Oslow .
" Then I will check with them , " Oslow said before thanking the man as they left the store .
" I guess we will see you if something comes up , " Andy said .
" Or when I stop in to unload some stuff and resupply , it usually takes a little while between hunting creatures like the black dogs and actually hunting what you need out there in the wild as far as food , but I ' ll be in . " Oslow said .
" Is it easier hunting them alone or in a group ? " Chase asked looking out of a window towards where the black dogs like to hang out .
" It depends on species and individuals , I hunt best when I ' m alone and planning my own strategies and how to take on multiple problems by picking them off in guerilla warfare and putting traps out to throw the black dogs off of my trail enough to regroup and reset my attack on them , or keeping my distance and picking them off with a bow . " Oslow explained to them better .
" We will see you , later then , " Andy said .
" Yes sir , " Oslow said before leaving to do his own business .
" Let ' s go to the spring , " Chase said looking first in the direction Oslow went before walking on to the hot springs with Andy following .
The two went through the door where the springs was at noticing a large open room that was kept warm by the hot springs and magical flames with different herbs and flora in places and several pools both cold and hot while looking over the mountain range covered with snow .
" Huh , a sauna with a view , " Chase said making Andy chuckle and shake his head .
" Can I help you , sirs ? " One of the attendants asked them .
" Is this kept safe from the dogs , even if it ' s open like this ? " Andy asked curiously .
" The wall and magical perimeter keeps the black dogs away , sir , so , no worries about them or the cold since the hot springs and flames keep the place comfortable inside the boundaries of Arcania . " The vampire attendant said .
" And hot water is safe for vampires ? " Andy asked .
" Yes , sir , if anything it helps calm our fatigue and stress better than anything , well except for sleep , but some vampires claim that a soak in the hot springs does help them sleep easier . " The attendant said .
" And what about wounds from a black dog ? " Chase asked .
" Ah , yes , Archmagister Saladira and Lex both spoke of you , we can help with it as well , I will warn you ahead of time the salve used to treat wounds like that and getting into the hot spring may sting a little bit , but once that ' s over it will make everything feel better . " The attendant said .
" Then let ' s do it , " Chase trusting the guy .
The attendant first instructed both of them on how to enter the different springs , pools , and minerals and which ones were best to use for different purposes . Soon , both of them were stripped down to nothing with Andy already in the hot water actually feeling himself relax as his heightened senses as a vampire responded even better to the feel of the hot spring . The attendant helped Chase get some healing salve onto the bite marks left behind by the alpha male of the black dogs , the wounds were already healing pretty well , but it didn ' t keep the ointment from stinging causing Stevens to hiss a little .
" Alright , you should be good , just be careful getting in the spring , once you are done I will reapply medication and bandages for you . " The attendant said .
" Thank you , " Chase said carefully getting into the pool with Andy as Spark was also already in the pool .
" Sounds like it hurt , " Andy said .
" A little bit , but I ' ll live , " Chase said once he was submerged into the hot spring , the hot water coming in contact with the wound caused him to hiss a little again before he finally calmed down feeling the ache and pain in the wound start to ease up .
" Better ? " Andy asked concerned .
" Yeah , " Chase said finding a place to sit and soak looking at Spark laying on a warm rock .
" He ' s relaxed , " Andy said .
" Yeah , may have to carry him back , " Chase said .
" Hmmm , " Spark said relaxing .
" Better than the cold , huh , buddy , " Chase said .
" Ooo , " Spark said .
" I need one of these at my house back at home and in the locker room with a Naturals only sign around it , " Chase said finally relaxing with his arm starting to feel better .
" I ' ll take that , and I could have used it after the cage match , " Andy sighed .
" You and me , both , I know AMW and Team Canada knew about all of this and Jeff and Dixie after we told them the truth , but what do you think the others thought about us ? " Chase asked .
" I don ' t know , why ? " Andy asked curious .
" Lex said this evil and the problems affecting this world could cause problems in our own , so , I guess I ' m just worried about our friends , Andy , " Chase said thinking about his brothers in the ring .
" Karliah told me once that because my former human life was apart of our world , and the vampire that I transformed into is apart of this one , that as the Vampire Prince , I am technically apart of both worlds and that both will need me , us to protect it from the evils plaguing both worlds . " Andy said .
" Then we will protect both worlds together , so , both the people of this world and the people of our home will live in peace . " Chase said .
" Very well , we protect both together , " Andy agreed .
