Chapter III

Once the sun began to decline from the sky, Ariel and I decided to head back to the tent for the night. I tried to see if Evra knew anything useful about Vampire Generals and the council, or what it meant to be judged.

Ariel lay down on her side of the tent, listening to our conversation while she ran a fingertip down the wall.

"I've never even met a Vampire General," Evra rubbed his snake's head affectionately. "I'm really not the right one to be asking.."

Silence.

"What about the council?" Ariel asked, still looking at the wall as she let her hand drop.

"I think it's a really big meeting the vampire clan holds every ten or fifteen years. They get together and discuss issues." He answered.

"Do you know anything about being 'judged'?" I asked.

"Nope, sorry- that's all the information I have to offer."

It was getting late, so once the unsuccessful interrogation was over, we decided to go to bed.

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5 A.M. in the morning

"Hello?"

The voice caused Ariel to jump slightly. She looked around to see if Darren or Evra had been the source of the voice, but they were both sleeping. The noise hadn't bothered her at all, she was already awake beforehand, and couldn't fall back asleep.

She got onto her knees and pushed the door flap away. Gavner was standing outside.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" He asked apologetically.

"Nah, I was already awake." Ariel answered, taking a step outside. The light of dawn had barely begun to blot the sky.

"It's hardly morning yet," He noted in a puzzled voice.

"Yeah, I've had some sleeping problems lately.."

"Care to take a walk with me?" Gavner asked, yawning and stretching his arms.

"Sure," She replied.

They spoke about the life of a vampire, things, like aging and what not. Ariel realized that if she wanted answers, now was her chance to get them.

"It wasn't Larten's choice to blood you," Gavner explained. "Because of fate, it was only his wish to save you and the vampire clan, but.. It was a mistake to blood Darren."

"I believe Darren was blooded for a reason.." Ariel replied. "I'm a strong believer in fate, since it seems that everything is connected; that each event is a product of the ones before it and everything happens for a reason, even if it's not a reason we agree with or can understand."

Gavner nodded in agreement. "That could be very true."

"But since it's classified as a mistake right now, does that have anything to do with Mr. Crepsley being judged?" She asked.

"Yeah. He'll have to plead innocent to the Princes, like a sort of trial."

Ariel nodded. "So.. What'll happen if he's found guilty?"

Gavner sighed. "Well.. I can't say for sure, but I doubt they'll go as far as to kill Larten. He's widely respected, and in fact, was once a General."

"Really?" Ariel raised a brow to this. Now that was interesting.

"He was about to be declared a prince before he stepped down."

"A prince?" She gasped.

"Yes, very few vampires are able to possess the title. Only the most noble and respected vampires can be chosen, and are only a rank below you."

"Why'd he give it up?" Ariel inquired.

"No one knows.."

Once they had passed all the town houses, Gavner slowed to a stop.

"So, you mentioned you were having sleeping problems earlier?" He turned back to face her.

"Yes."

His grim face caused her to frown. "How long as this been going on?"

"It started around the time I joined the Cirque.. Why?"

"I could just be a coincidence, but it might mean there is some.. trouble brewing. It's been said that when a vile climate begins to pervade the earth, it will cause nightmares to those who are sensitive to it.." He explained.

"I have been having nightmares.." She murmured.

Gavner sighed. "Look, it's probably nothing, so don't fret, okay?" He assured with a smile. "Unfortunately I have to go now, the life of a General is a busy one."

"Will I see you again..?" Ariel asked.

He kneeled down in front of her. "Definitely. I promise."

She smiled. "Alright."

Gavner stood back up. "I would have liked to stay and chat with Larten, but I really have to move. I think he'll be doing the same soon, anyway."

"Where to?" She asked, raising a brow.

"Sorry, that's a secret." He replied. "In fact, I've already said too much. You can tell Darren, but otherwise, let's keep this conversation between us- Okay?"

"What conversation?" She smirked.

Gavner laughed. "I like you." He nodded. "Stick with Larten- He's really the best teacher you could hope to find- and you'll make a great leader."

Ariel nodded, then stepped back and waved as he turned around- broke out into a jog- then reached flitting speed, in which he disappeared.