The feeling of the sun on her cheeks made Kyra smile. The autumn winds felt wonderful against her skin, a well needed break from the heat of the hard summer. She was in no rush as she made her way through the forest. Instead she took the time to enjoy the scenery of the leaves. The bright colors merged together as they fluttered in front of her and onto the cobblestone path. There were no dragons, no dungeons, nothing. There was absolutely nothing and she loved it.

When the sun began to set Kyra found a place to camp. After she tied her horse off she began to collect twigs for her fire. It was only a matter of minutes before she was able to unroll her bedroll and sit down, taking in the warmth. Off in the distance a wolf howled. Kyra's mind began to wonder back to the stories Delvin had mentioned. She shook her head. They are just stupid tales. Instead she tucked her legs into her bedroll and laid down, forcing herself to close her eyes. There was no such thing. It was simple as that.

It was early afternoon by the time Kyra found herself crouching behind a rock, staring at the cabin. It was of medium size and looked awfully lonely. Though she did have to admit, it was quite beautiful. The vines twisting up the poles helped it camouflage into the trees around it. The cabin had been taken over by bandits. They had most likely killed the original owners so as she knocked back her first arrow she felt no remorse as it flew and pierced the first bandit as he worked on the tanning rack. Kyra latched her bow onto her back and quickly moved forward, beginning to work on pick locking the door.

Once it clicked she double checked to make sure no one had spotted her before moving in. There, sitting in front of the fire, was another bandit. Kyra reached for her dagger and snuck forward. With a quick movement she slashed it across his throat. Now to look what she came for.

Kyra looked through every drawer, failing to find the book she was asked to retrieve. Yet it was no where to be seen. An idea as to where it would be would have been nice. She needed hurry, it wouldn't be long before more would come back and find their friend laying dead outside. She recklessly began to destroy the cabin, looking for any sort of hint as to where it would be. Finally she dropped to her knees, looking under the bed. She pushed a pair of iron boots aside. Her heart fluttered with excitement. There it was!

She reached for it, fingertips grazing the leather cover. Inch by inch she managed to slip it closer to her until she was able to grab ahold of it.
"Finally!"

Then the sound of the door cracking open cut her excitement short. Kyra whirled around, only to be shoved to the floor. Above her a female bandit straddled her and wrapped her hands around Kyra's neck. Kyra fought against her, kicking her off. Kyra stumbled to her feet and grabbed her sword. The bandit shook her head as she stood. Then scowled up at her. A part of Kyra shuttered in fear as she came locked eyes with her. Only the bandit's eyes were not of human color but instead a bright red. So she was a vampire.

Kyra swung her blade and fought with all her strength but the bandit was strong. She must have gotten bit while out exploring a cave. Kyra could not afford to let herself be turn into one as well. Yet it seemed the bandit had strength unlike any other. With a simple movement she had knocked Kyra's sword from her hand and delivered a blow to her temples. Kyra stumbled backwards, tripping over the items she had left laying around while she had searched for the book. As the bandit stepped towards her Kyra fumbled to get her dagger out. The bandit lunged as Kyra withdrew it, piercing her through her heart. But she hadn't been fast enough. Pain surged through her as the bandit's fangs pierced her skin. Kyra pushed the blade further into skin, blood beginning to trickle, but the bandit only clenched harder.

Pain surged through Kyra, a scream escaping her lips. Then the bandit went limp. With what little strength she had Kyra pushed her off, the bandit's fangs being ripped from her skin. For a few minutes she laid there on her back, unable to stand. Kyra touched where she had been bit and withdrew her hand. Blood covered her fingers. She needed to get far, far away from here. If one bandit had been turned then she could only imagine that her comrades had been too. So she scooped the book up and stumbled out of the cabin to her horse. From there she managed to climb onto the saddle before falling against the horse's neck.

" Go, please go."
Her voice was weak but the horse complied. Kyra's world started to fade in and out as she watched the trees pass. The gentle sway of the horse as it walked began to rock her to sleep. The silence, the darkness, it was all so tempting. Her strength gave out and suddenly she fell into darkness.