The door to the Great Hall flew open. Valeria, Lilith and Valerica jumped as it banged against the wall. Stefan and Serana marched into the room. They watched as the twosome descended the stairs.

"We are leaving," announced Stefan. "Now."

"Are we going to rescue my sister?" asked Valeria.

"Yes," replied Stefan. "Get your bow and arrows Valeria. Bring as many as you can carry."

"Stefan," began Serana.

"Valeria is coming Serana," said Stefan. "Lucinda is her sister just as much as she our daughter. She is coming."

Serana fell silent, it was pointless to argue. He had made his decision.

"Lilith," said Stefan looking at her. "Is it still your desire to join us?"

"Of course my Lord," she replied standing up quickly.

"You two," he said pointing to the two Vampires. "You will stay here and look after Valerica."

They nodded. But Valerica protested.

"I will be coming too," she said firmly. "She is my grand daughter."

Valeria smiled as she heard this. She enjoyed the experience fighting next to her grandmother.

"As you wish," said Stefan. There was no time to protest with her. It was imperative to get there as soon as possible.

"We are leaving on the hour," he said. "Do what you need to prepare yourself."

He turned away and went to change into his armour. Serana followed him.

Valeria made her way over to the armoury. She picked up her Daedric Bow and a bushel of silver arrows. She counted twenty into total. 'Make each shot count' she heard her sisters voice echo in her mind. She smiled to herself as she loaded the arrows in her quiver. In the corner of her eye, she spotted a small green bottle. She picked it up. It was the stunning potion she had created. She opened the bottle and began pouring measures onto her silver arrows.

Stefan stood in a room with mannequins wearing various sets of armour. His chosen set was his black and red Daedric armour. It was pure black with red slashes glowing in the torch light of the room. Serana helped him get dressed. He pulled on the individual pieces and she fastened them as securely as she could. She attached the legs. He giggled slightly. His knees were ticklish.

"Serana," he giggled. "That tickles."

"Sorry," she said. But she accidentality on purpose touched his knees as she fastened his armour. Once he was done, she slapping him lightly on the bottom. He then sat on a large wooden chair and pulled on his boots. He stood up and Serana looked him up and down.

"My handsome Vampire Lord," she giggled. She threw her arms around him and held him close.

"Where is your armour my ravishing Vampire Queen?" he asked.

"I'm wearing it," she said.

He looked her up and down.

"Is that the armour I made for you when you spilled blood on yourself?" he asked.

"The very same," she said.

"Wow," he said. "You kept it all this time?"

"It's from you," she replied. "You made it for me. I'm never going to take it off."

She gazed into his eyes. Their lips met and they kissed lovingly.

"We should get moving," said Stefan. "We have a daughter to save."

Serana looked up at him, she moved him hair from his face and kissed him on the cheek.

"Let's go," she said softly.

She released him reluctantly. Stefan strode across the room. He picked up his Dragonbone sword and sheathed it.

"Why are you using that?" asked Serana. "Only silver works with a werewolf."

"I know," said Stefan. "But me and Valeria have a bet on. Who can kill the most werewolves. I like a challenge."

Serana shook her head at him. Only he would use combat and brutality as a reward for his daughters. It was his way. Thankfully, it was aimed at their enemies, so she really couldn't complain. He smiled at her and turned to leave the room.

"What about your shield?" asked Serana.

"I didn't learn how to be a mage for nothing you know," he barked. "I can't fire spells and hold a shield at the same time."

She sighed and shook her head. She then turned and joined her husband and daughter in the Great Hall. She looked around at the militia who had volunteered to rescue Lucinda. Valeria's bow was thrown over her back, he quiver of arrows strapped to her left thigh. Lilith was decked out in pure black steel plated Vampire armour. The armour itself was coated with black plated steel. On her back was a small scabbard with a silver dagger inside it.

Valerica meanwhile was sat at the table, flanked by her two Vampire guards.

"Is that a silver dagger?" asked Stefan pointing to it.

"Yes my Lord," said Lilith.

"Be careful you don't cut yourself on it," he joked. "We Vampires aren't immune to silver."

"Not me my Lord," said Lilith. "Observe."

She pulled out her dagger and sliced it across her hand. A wound opened and blood gushed from it, littering the stone floor. Almost instantly the wound healed. Stefan looked at her in complete surprise.

"Dhampir?" asked Stefan.

"Correct," replied Lilith. "My mother was a mortal Nord, just like yours."

"I must treat you to some garlic at some point," joked Stefan clapping her on the back.

He then turned to his comrades.

"Are we all ready?" he asked.

"Mother has decided not to join us," said Serana.

"Why not?" asked Stefan turning to her.

"I'm not as fast as I used to be," she replied. "I'll only slow you up."

Stefan gave her a sympathetic look.

"Plus," she continued. "When you rescue her, they are going to come back and try to re-capture her. One of us should stay behind to hold them off."

"That's actually a good idea," he said. "We should probably all split up once we rescue her."

He gestured for them to follow him.

"Let's not keep Lucinda waiting any more," he commanded.

"Father what is a Dhampir?" asked Valeria as they made their way to the door.

"You should ask Lilith," replied Stefan. "She would be happy to tell you."

Valeria fell into step with Lilith and they began discussing what a Dhampir is. Serana walked next to her husband. The doors opened and the foursome exited the Castle. The doors closed slowly as the chatter between the foursome faded into the distance. The doors closed with a quiet bang.