Book I: The Three Dynasties
Chapter V
The First Bloodline
"The sons of the Corvinus clan. One bitten by bat, one by wolf... one destined to walk the lonely road of mortality as a human. It's a ridiculous legend, nothing more."- Elder Lord Viktor, Old World Coven- 2002
Southern Hungarian Territory: Arthur's Kingdom: 543 AD
"It has been months now." Eli spoke in a raspy voice as his Lord and Master studied a series of parchment documents. "Corvinus has kept his word, his armies have pulled back from the frontiers, his mercenaries have left Moldova… it would appear that we have achieved peace."
"So it would seem Viceroy." Arthur nodded in agreement.
"Then tell me My Lord, when is the Princess to be married to Markus. The longer we wait, the less likely the peace is to last."
Arthur let out a deep sigh as he brought his hand to his brow "Send a messenger to Corvinus, tell him… tell him that we have a wedding to plan."
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Western Hungarian Territory, Fortress Corvinus: 544 AD
"The day is finally upon you." A soft voice spoke as Markus paced the floor of his chambers. "I am very proud of you my son."
"Thank you mother." Markus spoke humbly as he paused to greet the eternally youthful woman who had brought him into this world.
"Do not be nervous." She smiled "Amelia is a lucky young woman to have such a husband."
"I am not sure what I am more nervous about." Markus began, a little unsure of himself "The wedding tomorrow, or the banquet tonight. The thought of my father, Viktor and Arthur being in the same room with barrels of wine to be drunk, does not sound very appealing… then there is William."
"Your brother will be on his best behavior." His mother assured him "I will see to that. No go." She gently encouraged him before giving him a hug "Enjoy your night."
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"They will be at the Fortress by now." Markus sighed impatiently as he slowly stalked through the trees, his bow and arrow poised. "We should get back."
"Do not be foolish brother." Henry mocked him "You will not be able to see Amelia until the wedding anyway. And are you really that desperate to get back to Arthur and Viktor."
"I suppose not." Markus conceded
"Good." William whispered "Then enjoy one last hunting trip with your brothers before you are married." The three brothers moved silently through the savage woods that they had grown up in, their weapons of choice bows and arrows, of such a quality they would have made a Roman archer envious. "There!" William nodded into the distance.
"I can't see anything." Henry whispered back.
"I can." Markus smiled, fully aware that he and William possessed senses far more accurate than their mortal brother. "It is huge." He spoke in amazement as he marveled at the lone grey wolf that stalked its prey in the distance.
"I am going to take the shot." William whisper excitedly as he drew back his bow and took aim. He released the cord sending the arrow streaking through the air towards its target, the brothers all drew breath in anticipation, only to see the arrow graze the back of the wolf, missing its intended target. "Damn!" William spat as the wolf withdrew into the dense trees.
"I told you that you should not have drunk so much wine before coming out brother." Markus teased him.
"It would appear that the beast was just to clever for you brother." Henry added.
"I never miss!" William sounded off in frustration "I will have that wolf yet." At that William began to dart through the tree line in the direction the wolf had fled, with a speed that no mortal man could ever hope to match.
"He is too hot headed." Markus observed as he shook his head.
"You should go after him." Henry suggested "I will catch up."
"I am sure he will be fine Henry, it is just a wolf, what is the worst that could happen?"
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William's speed continued to increase as he tracked the animal he intended to kill, it's tracks finally brought him to a clearing, he paused, allowing his senses to adjust to their new surroundings, then he heard it, a movement he fired a single shot back into the tree line. There was a sudden yelp, and then the sound of a beast hitting the floor. "No beast gets the better of me!" He exclaimed triumphantly as he hurried over to inspect his kill. He arrived at the carcass of the beast only to have a feeling of disappointment shoot through his body. This wolf was smaller, a she wolf, not the impressive specimen he had wanted, still a kill was a kill. He crouched beside the fallen beast to better expect his trophy. He was caught up in the moment, a pity, for had he been paying more attention he may have avoided what was to transpire next.
As he inspected the carcass of the fallen she-wolf a huge form leapt from the tree line, pinning the crouching immortal to the floor, it was the form of that first wolf William had tried to kill, it's deadly jaws snapped at the fallen Corvinus brother as it howled and snarled with all the ferocity of an animal that had just lost its mate. William reached for his belt, in an attempt to withdraw his dagger, however as he lowered his arm the wolf lunged forward sinking it's razor sharp teeth in William's neck, a fountain of blood churned into the air as the immortal let out a blood curdling scream that echoed through the dark Forest.
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Markus and Henry strolled through the dense forests following William's tracks. "I am glad I came." Markus nodded.
"Good." Henry nodded in agreement "Father always said a man should hunt before his wedding night. And with you being wed tomorrow, it will only be William that remains single."
"Perhaps one day he will find a bride." Markus grinned.
"I think that unlikely…" Before Henry could finish his sentence a blood curdling scream shook them both to their foundations "WILLIAM!" They both called in unison as the two brothers darted towards the sound of the scream, although Henry ran fast for a mortal he could not keep up with Markus who seemed naught but a blur as he disappeared from sight.
Although it took less than a minute, it seemed like an eternity, Markus finally came to the clearing, he saw William crouched over the body of a fallen wolf stabbing it repeatedly. "Are you alright?" Markus asked anxiously. William did not respond, he remained trapped in his rage, plunging his dagger into the now bloodied carcass of the beast "Brother it is already dead!" Markus called to him "BROTHER!!!" Markus yelled as he wrenched William away from the wolf "What is wrong with you?"
"It bit me." William snarled breathlessly "Filthy beast."
Markus's eyes widened in horror as his eyes fell upon the gaping wound on William's throat. "That should be healing by now."
"I am fine!" He snarled.
"Is everyone okay?!" A breathless Henry asked as he entered the clearing.
"Fine!" William spat before collapsing back to the floor.
"No he is not." Markus answered back, as he and Henry flung one of William's arms over his shoulders "Come on, we should get back to the fortress."
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The three brothers finally walked through the gates of the Corvinus fortress, it was a unique structure, a two story Romanesque villa, yet it was built from local stone. The stones of the savage land were dark and cold, and this was reflected in the fortresses architecture. The cold damp walls of the massive complex would be a most unwelcoming sight… to most people anyway. But to the three sons of the Corvinus clan this was home. As Markus and Henry helped William through the threshold of the complex several guards rushed to meet them, the brothers were quick to wave them off, however there was one man that would not be dismissed. As the brothers attempted to skulk off into a more secluded part of the fortress a single figure emerged from the main building. "What happened!" A stern voice called out.
"We were hunting father." Markus replied immediately "He was attacked by a wolf."
"How long ago?" Alexander Corvinus demanded.
"About an hour."
"Why has he not healed yet?" Alexander panicked as he inspected the wound.
"I am fine father." William breathed heavily "Just a scratch… I will be okay after a rest. After all, we have to show Viktor and Arthur how to drink later."
There was a ripple of laughter as William made his way to his room "He is right." Alexander nodded "We have a big night ahead of us."
"Amelia…" Markus began nervously
"Your bride is resting in the East wing with your mother and Viktor's daughter… tonight is your night my boy… and a good night it will be."
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There was a roar of laughter in the great hall of Alexander Corvinus's fortress as he and his sons, Arthur, Eli, Viktor and their nobles exchanged anecdotes and stories of battle. The wine had been flowing all night, yet tensions had remained at a minimum. "A toast!" Henry Corvinus yelled, slurring his words slightly as he rose to his feet "To my brother Markus, and his future bride… Lord Arthur's beautiful daughter, the Princess Amelia."
"Here, here!" A unified chant answered him.
"Indeed!" Eli answered as he rose to his feet "This is truly a joyous occasion, for it is not every day that an angel marries a demon." He sneered before throwing his mug towards Markus.
"You are drunk Viceroy!" Arthur hissed
"Sometimes it takes a drunk man to speak the truth My Lord." Eli answered before sitting down again.
"Let us play gentlemen." Viktor laughed as he took a sip of wine. "We are all friends now."
"Agreed." Markus exclaimed "Let us enjoy our food and wine."
The conversation again took a more friendly tone, everyone began to drink again and tuck into their food. "Argh" William spat as he dropped his knife and fork back on the table.
"What is wrong now?" Henry mocked him.
"It fells like my hands are on fire." He winced in pain.
"Well be careful with your cutlery!" His father warned him "It is the finest silver we have."
"I will be fine!" He breathed heavily
"What is wrong demon?" Viktor mocked him "Is the wine too strong?"
William leapt to his feet and punched a hole in the table. "I have had enough of you Teleki!" He screamed as he jumped across the table toward the old war lord. Before his brother or father could stop him, a single hand axe of Celtic design flew past Viktor's ear, landing square in William's chest. The axe belonged to the blue faced body guard that Viktor kept near him, the Hibernian Soren. The blue faced warrior leapt to his masters defence, along with several other body guards, and the young nobleman Kraven.
"Stand down William!" Alexander demanded.
"Forgive me father!" He breathed heavily "I think I need some air," He continued as he grabbed a bottle of wine and left the table.
"I will join you." Markus spoke seriously as he rose from his seat.
"No." William spat as he finally removed the axe from his chest. "I desire to be alone."
"Brother you are behaving like an animal." Markus sneered at him"
"And for that I apologize brother." William spoke breathlessly "Just do not try me."
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William staggered through the grounds of his fathers fortress, drinking from his bottle of wine, there was a burning feeling coursing through his body, the only thing that seemed to offer him comfort was that huge illuminated sphere in the sky, William Corvinus did not know why but he had to get closer to the moon. Being extra careful not to spill his wine, he scaled the side of the Romanesque villa finally coming to the roof. Once he was there he opened his tunic, allowing himself to be bathed in the moons full light, he began to walk, easily hopping from roof top to roof top. However after several jumps he saw a sight that he did not expect to see. Sat on one of the more secluded rooftops, a slight, yet beautiful girl sits bathing in the moonlight, her legs pulled close to her chest, as her raven black hair falls gently past her shoulders.
"Well Well" William smiled "What do we have here?"
"Hello William." A gentle, feminine voice answered him "What are you doing up here?"
"Just going for a walk." He smiled "Tell me, why is my future sister in law up here."
"I needed some time alone." She smiled "My father's bodyguards are so stifling."
"Would you like some?" He laughed slightly as he offered her his bottle of wine.
"Just a sip." She smiled back as she took a gulp.
"My word Amelia you are so beautiful." William breathed heavily as he sat down beside her.
"So I am told." She smiled "And you are so drunk."
"I mean what I say." William told her as he allowed his eyes to wander to her cleavage "How about we make this a memorable night."
"What are you suggesting?" Amelia asked in disgust as she pulled away from him.
William's eyes dilated and turned an unnatural shade of blue as he brought her hand to her thigh "Do not fight me Amelia." He breathed heavily.
"I will scream." She nearly wept.
William clicked the bones in his neck as his teeth seemed to extend into razor sharp fangs, "That will do you no good." He breathed lecherously.
Before Amelia had a chance to react two arrows sliced through the air, finding their targets in William's chest. Amelia quickly shuffled away from him as a small team of her fathers body guards made their way across the roof tops. William leapt to his feet and hissed at them only to be met by another volley of arrows, they did not seem to bother him, he merely laughed and descended to the court yard below without so much as blinking. The small team of bodyguards quickly ran to Amelia's side. "Are you alright Princess." The lead man asked.
"He tried to… he tried to…" She wept uncontrollably.
"Please My Lady, come with us." The lead man spoke gently "We will keep you safe."
"Thank you soldier." She smiled gratefully. "What is your name?"
"Nathan My Lady." He told her as he scanned the courtyard for any sign of William "Come now, it is not safe here."
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The doors to the great hall of Alexander Corvinus's fortress swung open as an armoured man made his way across the hall to his masters side. Stopping at Lord Arthur's shoulder he dropped to a knee and whispered into his ear. "WHAT!" Arthur demanded as he rose from his seat and drew his sword "YOUR DEMON SON DARES PUT HIS HANDS ON MY DAUGHTER! WHAT KIND OF DEMONS ARE YOU RAISNING?"
"What are you talking about?" Alexander dismissed him.
"VIKTOR, MY GUARDS HAVE JUST DISTURBED WILLIAM CORVINUS TRYING TO FORCE HIMSLEF ON MY BELOVED DAUGHTER. WILL YOU STAND WITH ME!!!!!!"
"Of course I will." Viktor nearly hissed as he drew his sword. Eli, Kraven, Soren and all of Viktor's and Arthur's bodyguards stood ready.
"My own bother… touching my future bride." Markus hissed "I WILL KILL HIM!!!!!"
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The door to William Corvinus's chambers splintered into a thousand pieces as his identical twin brother kicked it to pieces. Markus entered his brothers domain, almost foaming at the mouth, "WILLIAM!" He screamed. "WILLIAM!"
As Markus made his way through William's chambers he found his brother doubled over on the floor clutching his side, "Brother…" he whined.
"You dare lay your hands on my bride." Markus hissed.
"Brother help me!" William pleaded as he pulled aside his tunic to reveal the wound on his neck, it was throbbing, leaking puss and blood. "It hurts so much brother."
"William." Markus panicked as he knelt next to him "Brother what is wrong?"
"Amelia…" William breathed heavily
"You are my brother." Markus told him "My twin… you are my dearest friend."
William clutched his side and began to convulse, before crawling away from Markus and shutting a door behind himself.
"Let me in brother!" Markus sighed as he banged on the door.
"Something is happening to me Markus!" William screamed as he collapsed on all fours and began to scream.
"You are scaring me William!" Markus called out as he barged through the door. He was startled as he saw William on all fours his hair covering his face. William finally lifted his head, his teeth had extended into razor sharp fangs as his eyes turned a frightening shade of onyx black. "William"
"I love you brother!" William whined before his body began to sprout albino fur from every follicle, his once powerful hands turned into razor sharp claws, as his handsome features elongated into a snout complete with razor sharp fangs.
"NOOOOOO!" Markus screamed as his brother let out a blood curdling howl. "Brother." Markus pleaded, however William lashed out, sending his brother crashing into the cold stone wall… the now raging immortal leapt into the corridor of the Corvinus fortress and began to charge.
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"Hush little baby don't you cry." A soft voice sang as she rocked her baby to sleep. "Henry" She whispered as she heard a movement in her section of the fortress "Henry is that you?" The young woman left her infants side as she made her way into the main living area "Henry…" The woman let out a blood curdling scream as she came face to face with the Albino hell hound that stood before her. Lashing out the wolf like monster tore the woman's head from her shoulders before feasting on the bloody remains.
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The mood in the great hall was tense Viktor and his courtier Kraven were doing their best to calm the rage of his ally Arthur. After finding out that someone had dared put their hands on his daughter he had worked himself into a frenzy. Alexander Corvinus buried his head in his hands as he watched the peace he had worked for fall apart before his very eyes. He watched as Eli and Viktor dragged Arthur into the corner in a vain attempt to calm him down. Then something happened that brought him out of his frustrated state. The huge wooden doors came crashing open as a huge hell hound stood in the doorway, one of the guards ran at him only to be bitten in the neck sending him slumping to the floor. The wolf man let out a howl, every one turned to face him. The beast walked slowly towards the assembled men, the first man he came across was the young courtier Kraven. Kraven thrust his sword into the beasts side, it did not even slow him down, the beast growled and pounced at Kraven, however the blue painted warrior leapt across the table pushing the young noble to safety. Eli and Viktor suddenly stepped aside and allowed Arthur to draw his sword, the strongest of the warrior ran at the wolf along with several guards, they were put down one by one, all except Arthur who was saved by one of his men. Alexander Corvinus had seen enough, he jumped from his seat and delivered a hammer like blow to the beast that sent it crashing straight to the floor, it tried to get up in an attempt to carry on its carnage, however Alexander was determined to keep it down. As the beast struggled Alexander wrapped his hands around its neck and began to choke the life out of it.
"NO!!!" A voice screamed as a beautiful woman ran to Alexander's side "Stop it!" She screamed as she used all of her immortal strength to pull Alexander away from the beast.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING HELANA?" Alexander screamed at her.
"Look at him Alexander!" She pleaded "He is your son."
"William…" Alexander breathed heavily
The beast got to his feet and leapt away from his father, crashing through one of the walls of the fortress he made his way into the woods leaving his immortal father to look on, unable to protect his family for the first time since he gained his immortality.
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Viktor and Arthur headed for the gates of Alexander's fortress, both were determined to destroy the beast that had attacked them, whether he was a Corvinus or not. Alexander was quick to head them off with a contingent of his guards, as Markus staggered across the court yard to join them. One of the guards that had been bit by William held his pike against the two War Lords. "I will not let you kill my son." Alexander spat.
"Then you are going to have to stop us." Viktor spat.
Before either of the Immortal Corvinus could object Henry Corvinus emerged from the Romanesque fortress carrying the headless body of his wife. "I want that beast dead!" He spoke venomously. "Viktor Teleki, Arthur Vorenus, today I stand with you,"
"It is William!" Markus pleaded "We have to help him!"
As the War Lords conversation descended into chaos one of the guards that had been bitten by William dropped his weapon, collapsed to the floor and began convulsing. Kraven and Soren shared a horrified look as his hands transformed into claws and matted black fur began to sprout all over his body. Soren stepped forward driving his hand axe through the head of the guard however the guard did not even flinch. "My Lord's!" Kraven called out, as the guard continued his disturbing transformation, worse than that his colleagues who had also been bit by William began to convulse and change as well. "We have a serious problem!"