Chapter Two: 15 years later

The new Apprentice

"Be strong, my little Roma."

Roma Purl gulped as she and her father walked towards a huge, purple dome. The grown woman could feel the energy pulsing through it to her own body.

She always wanted to know what it looked like, but she only saw darkness in her never seeing eyes. Tanya clutched onto her father's large arm for support as they got closer and closer.

So I finally get to meet the rest of the princes. The thought made her squirm . The only prince she met was Vancha March, since he was the only one who talked to her. She heard the others before too. Mika Ver Leth with his cruel, cold voice, Roma knew she didn't like him, Arrow with his strong, powerful voice, Paris Skyle with his calm, almost loving voice. And Daren Shan... Roma smiled as she thought of his beautiful, deep voice. She loved hearing him talk. Roma dreamed of him. Though she could not see in the real world, she could see in her dreams.

Grass is green, the sky is blue. Darren Shan's eyes are dark green, his hair is midnight black, and his skin in the color of ivory. His lips are as soft as a kitten and as red as a rose...

As the Purls got closer to the Hall of the Princes, Roma could feel its power. It hurt her.

"Father..."

She drew closer to the burly man and buried her head into his shoulder. "Father, I'm scared."

Gavner Purl looked at his daughter with fatherly eyes and drew her close as they walked, "Don't be scared. It'll be OK, trust me."

The two finally approached the Hall of the Princes, Roma whimpered as the pulsing of the dome goes through her body like a jet. There were two huge open doors in the middle of it. Her father led her through the doors and Tanya swore she heard a voice calling to her. She blinked her eyes and decided it was her imagination.

The two walked up a walkway towards five thrones. Around the walkway was rows and rows of seats, which were full of vampires. Sitting on the thrones was the five princes of Vampire Mountain, Paris Skyle, Arrow, Mika Ver Leth, Vancha March, and Darren Shan.

Roma could feel Darren as though she was touching him, she could smell his sweet scent.

The young vampire woman shut her eyes as she felt everyone's stare on her and her father. Her father led her to one of the front seats next to Larten Crepsley, a tall, orange haired man who was once Darren Shan's mentor and a good friend with her father.

"Hello, Gavner."

"Hi."

His handsome face looked at Roma, "How are you, my dear?"

Roma smiled politely, "I'm doing great, sir."

"Good, good. Gavner, such a fine daughter you raised, she's so beautiful" he paused, "I'm surprised." He teased as he elbowed Gavner. He growled playfully at him and shoved him roughly, causing Larten to knock over another vampire next to him. The vampire pushed him back and suddenly the whole seats of vampires were shoving and pushing. Someone ran into Roma and she punched them in the gut. She loved fighting as much as any other vampire does.

"Peace must be regained NOW!"

Standing up from his throne, an irate Mika Ver Leth yowled over the noise of the quarreling vampires. Roma seemed to shrink in her seat as she felt Mika's accusing eyes sweep towards her.

"OK Mika."

Roma's heart beat fast as she hears his voice. Darren Shan. He was wearing a robe like the other princes, looking handsome and dashing.

Mika swung his glaring eyes at the young prince, "I don't want any talk from you."

Darren just chuckled, "All right Mika." Standing up, Darren addressed the vampires, "We are here to name new apprentices today." The good looking prince raised his hands as applause erupted from the audience. Mika rolled his eyes.

Darren grinned and sat down with a plop.

"Peace."

Silence again was regained as an old vampire stood from one of the thrones. He was a good 900 years (yeah I changed the ages a little) He had a long, white beard and hair. His claws on his wrinkly hands were long and dull. But he still looked strong enough to lift an elephant.

"As Darren had said earlier, we are naming new to-be Generals, Vancha will now list the names of the apprentices and the teachers."

"Why me?" the green-haired man whined.

"Just do it, Vancha!" Mika hissed as he handed him a long list.

"I can't read."

"By the love of the gods, yes. You. CAN!"

"Nuh-uh!"

"VANCHA MARCH DO IT NOW!" Mika shouted and swung around to delivery a kick at Vancha's throne. The large prince yelped as his throne nearly fell sideways with him in it, luckily Arrow's was still there to hold it.

"OK!" Vancha scanned the list and opened his mouth to speak.

Everyone held their breath.

"First off, Jeremy Dias and Francois Calvin."

Someone groaned loudly as applause was heard all around.

"Crystal Henderson and Arra Sails."

Roma let out a sigh of relief.

Thank the gods I didn't get Arra Sails!

She felt bad for Crystal though, she was the only few friends she had in the mountain.

Other names were listed and Roma's heart fell about an inch anytime she didn't hear her name. Finally it came down to the last name and Roma lost all hope, she closed her eyes and felt tears run down her cheeks.

Was I not good enough? Is it because I'm blind?

"The last name for the apprentice and teacher are...DRUM-"

"Get on with it Vancha!" Mika snapped.

Vancha rolled his eyes and took the deep breath, "The last names are..."

Roma looked down as she felt her heart fall its last step of hope.

"Roma Purl and Prince Darren Shan."