Guest (A.K.A Shrimpeater)- Lol hi. Should I really? I'm a cook irl and it does occupy a lot of my time. Wowie! Perfect timing! Would you really draw me pictures? I would dedicate a chapter to you if you did!
WaffleNommer: He doesn't have time for the moment. When it's all over and Kodlak's funeral happens, he will have his time to morn. Awww, thank you! Hearing that it's your favorite does mean a lot. More Yaoi will happen, I promise!
Herelies: another lengthy review! Loving it! Yes, you are very right about the relationship of Vincent and Vilkas. Vincent is not a child and Vilkas will come to learn and respect it. Once he learns the whole story, he may begin to relax. As for finding someone for Farkas…. I was planning a sequel to this after Wolves and Magic had come to an end. Let's just say in the sequel, you haven't seen the last of the companions or their harbinger! P.S. I am sorry I forgot your favorite line. *sad face*
Kogouma: Yes, yes. Tis sad. I know. Had a hell of a time coming up with why he had no clothes on when he's dead. -_- Hurray!
Alexander the Necro-Prince: Hello new Reviewer! Good to see a new face! Ah, yes. I do think he'd be softer…at least around his brother. Yep, Vilkas is pissed, but he just can't stay mad at Vincent….or can he..? You'll see.
Imaybesomeone: Hello, another new face! Lol sorry about the cliffhanger. Seemed like a good place to end it…to me anyway. Meh! Keeps you interested though!
TeB360: Lol sorry. It seemed like a good place to stop. All will be revealed soon, I promise!
Murtagh Thorn: I plan to keep writing. Lol. Vincent and Vilkas will eventually get down and busy and it will happen soon. Farkas is awesome, isn't he. Like I said in another review, a sequel is planned after Wolves and Magic and although the companions are not necessarily the main characters, it is not the last you'll see of them. *puts on fluffy ears.* I'll treasure this. 3
Voltagelisa: And yet another new face! Glad to see so many people reading. I'm glad you liked the story dear. I will try to continue to make this story worth the time to read.
Deidara-kupkake: A little bit in this chapter and the next. His story is too long for just one. Nice to see a new face~
Chapter 15- Little talks
You're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
All that's left is a ghost of you
Now we're torn, torn, torn apart, there's nothing we can do
Just let me go we'll meet again soon
Now wait, wait, wait for me
Please hang around
I'll see you when I fall asleep
Hey!
Don't listen to a word I say
Hey!
The screams all sound the same
Hey!
Though the truth may vary
this ship will carry
our bodies safe to shore
By of monsters and men- "little talks"
It's a long story, like I said…So I'm going to skip the beginning. …Don't give me that look, Vilkas. What I told you in the beginning was truth. I'm going to pick it up around my sixteenth birthday. That's when things of relevance started to happen. It was when I'd first laid eyes on the man who would come to destroy my whole world….
His beautiful sea blue eyes, that matched the hue of his late mother, glanced up in time to get a face full of snow flakes. He sputtered and shook his head to clear it from the white powder. He heard a low husky laugh and he turned to see his best friend chuckling softly. He dusted his hands off on his coat, trying to play innocent.
"It's not funny Frey!"
Frey flashed his white teeth and a handsome smile came to his face. His black hair was short and cropped in a fashionable rebellious style and his deep green eyes sparkled in amusement. He was a Nord; whose parents had moved them to High Rock right after the treaty was signed with the Aldemeri dominion.
"Sure it is." he shrugged and hefted a heavy brown bag filled with food up. "Sorry Vincent." The tone of his voice showed he really wasn't sorry.
"So throwing snow in my face is a Nord way of amusement?"
"Affection, my friend. We don't just throw snow at anyone."
Vincent just scowled at him and dragged along a matching paper bag. "Remind me why I brought you again?"
"Because…You wanted my pleasurable company?"
Vincent chuckled humorlessly. "Yeah, sure that's it."
"Maybe because I'm so handsome?"
"Nope. Defiantly not that."
"Hmmm….well, possibly because I can lug the heavy stuff?"
"That sounds about right."
Frey walked ahead slightly and elbowed open the back door to the orphanage. They both walked into the small kitchen and began unpacking the goods.
"Where is Grace?" Frey asked as he put some of the fruit away. "She's usually here, waiting for us to come back."
"She's been working on a project." Vincent responded, unpacking as well. "Some kind of knitting and sewing thing. She won't tell me."
Frey laughed. "Ah. Well, my heart is broken. I don't get to see my beloved."
"Hey…watch it with that…"
Frey half-smiled. "Oh come on…I'm upset I don't get to see my future wife."
Vincent flicked him on the nose and scowled. "Like I'd ever let some one like you have my baby sister."
Frey rubbed his nose, looking mock offended. "Someone like me…? What's that mean?"
"You have a different girl on your arm every other week."
Frey grinned that handsome grin and it made Vincent roll his eyes. "I can't help it if the Breton girls like a little foreign taste."
Vincent made a gag noise. "I'm not letting a playboy have my precious sister. Fuck that."
Frey didn't seem to mind the comment and kept his smile. "I'd quit my womanizing ways for her."
"Bullshit you would." he huffed. "You go through women without a care. I seriously think you're gay."
Frey whined. "That's so mean…"
"I think you are."
"That's cold, man."
"I don't hear you denying it."
Frey stuck out his tongue. "You're just upset because you want me."
"About as much as I want severe head trauma."
They shared a laugh and finished the unpacking. They'd met when Vincent's mother had been alive and been friends ever since. Ever after Vincent and Grace had to go to the orphanage, Frey and his family had offered their support. They had wanted to take the two of them in but didn't have tons of money either. They already had three kids. An older sister, an older brother and Frey. They couldn't afford to take Vincent and a terminally ill child in too.
Frey put his coat back on once they finished and headed for the doorway. "Seriously, though Vincent…" He began and leaned against the doorframe. Vincent could already tell this wasn't going anywhere pleasant. "You should come out with me soon. There are tons of pretty girls that would like you."
"The only woman I can have in my life right now is my sister." He crossed his arms. "I have no time for anyone else."
"You're always either working or looking after her." Frey protested softly. "Other people can keep an eye on her for one night you know."
"I will not lead anyone on. Any person to take any interest in me will find themselves second place. Grace will always be first."
Frey looked like he wanted to push the issue but he held up his hands defensively. "Okay. Fair enough."
"Thank you for the help, Frey. I appreciate it."
"No problem…" He ran a hand through his hair and sighed slightly. "Just….think about what I said?"
Vincent really didn't know what there was to think about but he simply nodded, if only to appease Frey. "Sure."
"Great. Now I need to get home…Kahilda might be leaving us."
"Your older sister? Why?"
"She wants to go home to Skyrim."
"Is this about the ban on Talos Worship?"
Frey sighed and lifted up the chain of his amulet. "You know the importance to my family about this. I was only four when we left…right after that damn treaty was signed. Pa's too proud to admit we fled instead of submit…Not Kahilda though. She was old enough to remember the old ways and she wants to go back home."
"Will you all be going with her?"
"No. Ma's dead set on staying here and she's talked Pa and my bro convinced too."
"What about you?"
"I'm sixteen." Frey chuckled. "I hold Talos in my own way and maybe someday I'll go back too and join my sister in this…but not now."
"Good. I wouldn't want Grace to be sad."
"Ah yeah…. Can't make my little love despair, can we?"
"Alright. Get out, you turkey." Vincent shoved the taller boy out the door. "It's damn cold and you're letting all the cold air in."
Frey winked and waved before taking off down the snow filled streets. Vincent watched his friend go with a soft worried look. Frey was a good guy and he really wished the best for him and his family.
"Brother…"
Vincent's eyes widened and he shut the door in a hurry, cutting off the cold flow of air. He whirled about to find his sister standing near by. She had their father's features and look. Her hair was long and dark and matched her eyes. It was near impossible to tell they were even related. She was small of an eleven year old but she was also a sickly child. All she wore was a long dress and Vincent nearly had a heart attack when he saw her bare foot.
"What are you doing standing here with no shoes on?" He scolded and walked over. "It's freezing and you'll get sick."
"I'm fine." she protested. "I heard Frey's voice so I came to see him."
"I already kicked his playboy butt out the door." Vincent let a smile come to his lips. "Sorry."
She shrugged. "I only like being around because he says he'll marry me someday." She let a small smile cross her face. "It makes you mad."
"Of course it does." Vincent gestured her out of the kitchen and into the living room. It was just a small receiving area for guests, but the floor was carpeted and it had a heater. He set his sister up in front of it. "I need a special man to be worthy enough to marry you." He knelt in front of her and put his warm hands on her feet and was relived to find them warm.
She put a hand on his shoulder. It was so gentle, he almost didn't feel it. "You don't like it because you don't want him to lie to me."
Vincent met her eyes with a soft supporting smile. "Lie to you? If you mean because of age difference-"
"You don't need to lie, brother. Frey teases me because I'm your little sister and being told I'm pretty makes me happy. A guy like Frey would have no real interest in someone like me."
"That's not true Grace…" Vincent was lying though and he looked down. He knew Frey's flirting with his sister was harmless. Frey saw Grace like she was his own sister, so Vincent was never cross with him. If he'd actually been an aspiring suitor, they would have a problem…
"I know it is Brother. We both know I probably won't live long enough to have a husband."
His eyes shot up and he grasped his sister tightly. "Don't say such a horrible thing Grace."
"Its true." she smiled kindly…almost like a mother. "We both know it."
"You're going to be okay." Vincent trembled slightly. "I promised mother that I would look after you! I promised her on her grave."
"You do look after me, brother…" She took his hands in her much smaller ones. "But who will look after you?"
"I don't need anyone but you." It was the truth at the time. "I don't need some woman harping on me about spending too much time taking care of my sister and not enough with her."
"I don't want to be a burden."
"You're not."
"….If you say so, brother."
"I do."
There was a moment of silence as he watched his sister take in the information. The last thing he wanted her to feel like was a burden. She meant everything to him.
"I have something for you then." She spoke, finally.
"Oh?"
She let go of his hands and walked over to the chair and pulled out a very strange Pastel colored object. It took Vincent a moment to realize that it was a coat.
"here." she held it out.
"Oh Grace…" He didn't take it right away and took in the sight. "I thought you'd make yourself a blanket for the winter or something…" It was more sewn then knitted. It was a mix of blues, purples and creamy pastel colored cotton and leathers. It would have made a good winter blanket.
"No. It's a coat for you."
"I don't really need a coat." he protested. He kind of hoped she'd turn it into a blanket for herself. "I get warm enough working on the farm."
She held it out stubbornly. "I made it for you. So you better wear it."
She had a steely determined look and Vincent knew it was impossible to talk her out of this. So he just smiled and accepted the gift. He slung it on for her and watched her face light up. That moment made it all worth it.
"How's it sit?" He asked her.
"Good." she nodded, reaching out and smoothing out some of the fabric near his shoulder. "I like it."
"I'm glad then. Now…" he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. She laughed and threw her little arms around his neck. She felt like a delicate porcine doll in his grasp. He lifted her up easily as if she weighed nothing at all. "…lets get you some shoes on, okay?"
"I don't like the shoes." She grumbled. "They're itchy and I like to feel the ground under my feet."
"It's cold Grace." he scolded and started walking up the stairs with her still nestled in his arms. "You can call me a worry wart or whatever else it is you want but I need you to put on your shoes."
"Fine."
He walked into the bedroom for all the kids and he set her down on their bed. They were all packed in to the one room and there weren't enough beds for everyone. Vincent willingly shared with grace but he was up most nights. He pulled a small box out from under their bed and took her shoes out. He'd spent a good deal of his money from work on buying her good shoes. He put them on for her as if she was only an infant and tied the laces too.
"There. Better."
She nodded and kicked her feet a bit idly once Vincent stood upright. She kept her eyes on her brother, in an almost accusing way as she looked him up and down.
"Problem?" Vincent asked.
"You look more like Momma every time I see you."
Vincent forced a smile. "Ah…I see."
"You're pretty…like her."
"I'm a man, Grace." He sighed. "Men aren't pretty."
"You are." She insisted. "We don't look anything alike…"
"You're very pretty Grace. Who gave you the idea that you weren't?"
"The other kids." She shrugged as if it didn't bother her.
"Well, the other kids can shove it. The Renalts don't give a fig for what anyone says, right?"
"Right."
Vincent looked up in time to see the mistress of the orphanage gesturing over to him. Her name was Madam Genevieve and she was an old haggard woman. She'd never married and never had any children. She was a kind woman, who did love children so she opened up an orphanage and ran it half her life. She was also not a very rich woman so getting funding for the orphanage itself was a struggle.
Vincent told Grace he'd be right back and wandered over to the Madam. He could tell as he got closer that she looked slightly distraught.
"Madam?"
"You've done such wonderful things for this orphanage, Vincent. I have no idea how to even begin to pay you back for everything."
"I told you before, Madam… You don't need to pay me back. I live here. You taught me everything I know about Alchemy and it's helped Grace beyond measure. You owe me nothing."
She wrung her hands together and looked stubbornly at the floor. "There…" she paused and started again. "There is a man here…He wishes to see you….for adoption purposes."
"A man? He wants to adopt a Sixteen year old boy? Wouldn't he be better off with a younger child?"
"He's been scoping out the orphanage for days now, secretly. He's chosen to meet with you."
That sounded way too shady for Vincent's liking. "No thanks."
"He insists, Vincent."
"I'm not being adopted." He spoke firmly. "I'd never leave Grace alone."
"Please Vincent…Just….listen to him?"
He sighed and glanced back at Grace in the room. "Wish me to tell him no to his face then? Fine."
"I'll keep an eye on Grace Dearie. You go meet with him. He's in my office."
Vincent nodded and walked past her to her humble office. It was a small space that could barely fit three people comfortably. When he opened the door, a man sat in the chair closest to her makeshift desk. He turned as Vincent entered and he got a good look at the man.
He was tall…Vincent would tell that even though he was sitting down. His dark hair was slicked back and he had a huge nose that just screamed Noble scumbag. His eyes were dark…very dark and his mouth was pulled into a long thin smile. Vincent instantly had a large feeling of uneasiness from this man but he pushed it aside for now.
"Vincent Renalt..?" The man spoke and startled the redhead. His voice was deep but not entirely displeasing.
"Yes?"
The man stood up and Vincent was most defiantly correct about his height. He stood at least two heads taller then Vincent. He was wearing nice fancy clothes that looked like they had never seen the light of day, let alone a speck of dirt.
"I am Cadrian Belemonde." He stuck out his hand surprisingly for a handshake.
Vincent felt off doing it but he shook his hand. He almost felt a surge…sort of like that tingling feeling you got when Magic was being cast around you. Vincent decided he disliked the feeling and quickly ripped his hand from Cadiran's grasp.
"Nice to meet you…" he still attempted politely.
Cadrian did not seemed deterred and if anything his smile had gotten bigger. "You are perfect."
Vincent stared mutely at the stranger for a moment. "Excuse me?"
"I am gathering up promising young men with magical talent to train and become my apprentice."
"You're a wizard then?" Not that was too uncommon in High Rock. "I've never cast magic in my life, sir."
"Ah yes, but you have an affinity for it. I felt that at the slightest touch. You could do very well with magic. You'd be a perfect candidate."
"I hate to disappoint you…." Vincent began, crossing his arms. "But I'm not leaving."
"Well, why not boy? You certainly don't want to live here do you? I live in a castle! Your every whim would be tended to!" The smile stayed…and that made Vincent nervous.
"I'm sorry, but I have obligations here. I have a sick sister who I love more then anything. No fancy comforts or anyone would ever make me abandon her. So I'm sorry. Please find someone else."
The smile faded and Vincent found the frown more unnerving then the smile…. "A...sister. I see." He looked in deep thought for a moment. "What is she sick with?"
"We could never afford doctors… We know our father had it too…it's something you're born with. Like an infection that never goes away."
"Ah...I see. Well tell me, my boy… You can't possibly have all the medical attention your sister needs here, correct?"
"…We…get by…"
"Well, here's the deal then." The man named Cadrian smiled again and put a heavy hand on Vincent shoulder. Something about this man made Vincent almost want to recoil but he stayed put. "If you come with me, I will let you bring your sister. My home has a staff of experienced people and personal doctors. Your sister would receive the best care possible there and improved living conditions."
That…was a tempting offer. Vincent was always afraid he'd wake up and find his sister lying dead beside him. These living conditions were horrific and not fit for a sick person. "I… I don't know…."
"I'll need an answer lad. I really don't want to have to look elsewhere when I have such a promising young man in front of me now. Think about what would be best for your sister…"
As much as his brain screamed at him to say no, he couldn't argue with the facts. His sister would have a much better chance of survival if she had better care. Maybe… he'd be able to keep his promise to mother after all.
"Okay. I'll go with you."
That was the worst mistake of my life….One that would come back to haunt me every time I think about my poor beloved sister. I should have ran…should have said no. I sometimes wonder now…if Cadrian would have simply abducted me if I'd persisted in staying. I was important to him…although I didn't know it at the time.
The castle had been impressive. From the outside, it seemed more like a fortress then a home. Grace had been excited to leave the orphanage and when she saw the castle, her eyes had lit up. That made the decision almost worth it.
"Are we really going to live here?" He remembers her whispering to him.
He had nodded, having no idea what he'd really gotten both of them into. The minute they entered the door, Cadrian wrapped a heavy arm around Vincent's shoulders and lured him away from the cart. An elderly woman bowed and slipped past them to attend it.
"What about my-"
"Your sister will be fine." Cadrian said politely. "That is my healer, Mrs. Changine. She is a master in alchemy and the healing art. She will attend your sister. For now, I wish you to meet the other boys."
Vincent was shuffled into a room filled with at least thirteen other young men. Cadrian had left him alone in there, claiming he'd be back in a few moments and that Vincent should 'get acquainted'.
An orange haired boy whose face was marred in freckles and pox scars, practically rushed over to Vincent the moment he was left alone.
"Hello, chum. I'm Beran!"
"Vincent." He replied calmly. "What's going on here?"
"Ah, well the master has been gathering up orphans to be his apprentice. Think about it…it's like…the once in a lifetime chance!"
"What will happen to the other boys that fail?"
Beran, who had been sunny and cheerful up to that point suddenly frowned. "I… hadn't thought of that."
"Hum…"
"Probably cast back out…" The orange haired boy seemed suddenly sad. "I defiantly don't want to go back to that horrid orphanage in Comlorn."
Vincent found himself nodding in agreement. Not that he hated the orphanage, but Grace needed this care… He decided then that he had to win…
"Whoop. Looks like they're picking on that kid again."
Vincent turned his head and saw three boys picking on a smaller on. The smaller boy had long black hair that was tied back with a crimson ribbon and he was trying to read a book. He was also better dressed then anyone here. The boys picking on him were pulling a lock of his hair and slapping the book from his hands. The boy had calmly picked it back up, but had a scowl on his face.
"They pick on him often?"
"Yeah. I don't know his name…" Beran confessed. "I didn't want to be seen talking with him and getting picked on myself."
That made Vincent frown. "Why is he even getting picked on?"
"From what I gather, he's not an orphan. He came from a noble family and everything. Everyone else here are orphans, used to living at the bottom. He's used to living well and has apparently cast magic before. He's got an advantage over all of us. Makes the other boys cross at him."
"He can't help the station he was born into."
"Yes, I know…but…"
"But what?"
Beran sighed and wrung his hands together. "The other boys thinks he doesn't deserve it. That it's not fair."
"This is the first time I've seen a kid getting picked on for not being an orphan."
"Well, being a noble born in a room filled with orphan's will do that."
"Still doesn't make it right." Vincent spoke and started heading over there. He heard Beran protest behind him but he paid it no heed. When he got close enough, he grabbed the boy's wrist that had been pulling on the smaller boy's hair. "Leave him alone."
"Oi! Who ars you?" The boy hissed through the hole in his teeth. "This anit none of yer business, sod. Back off."
Vincent saw the dark haired boy peer up at his with wary grey eyes. The other orphans had now turned on him and stopped harassing the smaller kid.
"Look it here…" Sneered the one to Vincent's right. "He's defendin' his little boyfriend."
That caused the three of them to chuckle. Out of the corner of his eye, Vincent saw Beran tense but he ignored the boy's discomfort.
"He don't look like a rich plug like this one…" The one to Vincent's left proclaimed.
"He obviously anit. He's like us.." The one who Vincent had grabbed spoke up. "Why ya defendin' this rich sod…?"
"He can't help what life he was born into."
"So what?! You defendin him coz of that?! You retarded?"
"I can assure you I'm not." Vincent scowled. His body was tensed up, ready to react if any of threw a punch his way.
They surprisingly seemed to keep their cool about the situation. "Neither you are worth it." The leader of the bunch scoffed. "But watch yer backs now."
The three of them retreated and Vincent watched them go. What the bloody fuck had that been about?
"You didn't have to do that…"
Vincent turned his head back to the grey eyed boy who was now standing next to Vincent and scowling deeply. He was a bit short but Vincent figured he still had a growth spurt left to go.
"It wasn't right just to watch them pick on you. They probably would have hurt you soon."
The boy chuckled humorlessly. "No. They wouldn't have. Lord Belemonde has forbidden us from fighting. Those who do, instantly fail. You weren't here when he said that." the boy paused. "It had been two months since anyone new came to the fold, even though we have plenty of candidates."
"Hope I'm worth the trouble." Vincent replied with a raised eyebrow.
"As do I." The boy replied without missing a beat. "Daric Theodistair."
"I'm Vincent Renalt."
"A last name…" The boy mused. "You weren't born an orphan like the rest of them."
"No. I wasn't." he confirmed.
A small smile came to Daric's face. "At least I'm not alone in that."
Vincent felt himself smile too. He seemed nice enough. Cadrian reentered and called for the boys to gather up. Daric rushed over and Vincent followed him in tow. Cadrian had brought with him a golden birdcage with a cloth draped over it to hide it's contents. Even at this distance, Vincent could tell that the cloth was not ordinary, and in fact looked thick like lead.
"Welcome to my home boys. Most of you had been here longer then others but I finally found what I needed and we are ready to start the training. I will not lie to you…These will be tough and grueling days. To become an arch mage takes practice, patience, complete control of will and the force of your entire souls. Now…if I could have a volunteer?"
"Oi. Me sir!" Said the leader of the boys who had been picking on Daric. "I'm yer man."
"Good lad. Come here."
The boy did as asked and stood in front of Cadrian. Cadrian towered over the boy with a deep seated grin that made Vincent uncomfortable. Something wasn't right here….
"Alright lad…if you would please demonstrate an ice spike spell…"
The lad looked between Cadrian and the rest of the group. "You haven't taught us that spell yet…"
Cadrian kept his grin and from behind his back, pulled out a book, already open to a page inside. "Read and cast. Do it now."
The boy seemed frazzled and quickly scanned the words on the page. His hands moved frantically, trying to recreate what the spell was telling him. Vincent felt that familiar surge of magic make his hair stand on end as a small crystal formed in the boy's hands. He seemed like he was trying to make it bigger, but struggled and the spell dropped. The crystal broke and fell to the floor, instantly melting and getting on Cadrian's fine shoes.
Cadrian shut the book with a loud snap, his smile still present although now it had an eerie curve to it. "Ah. Well, you are useless as an apprentice."
The boy tensed. "I-I'm sorry… I jus never…"
"No." Cadrian tutted and guided the boy over to the cage. "Lets see if you are not completely hopeless." He lifted the thick sheet only slightly and even at this distance, Vincent could feel scorching heat. Flames licked at the walls of the cage and spread through the bars like fingers. Vincent helplessly watched as the fire danced around the scared boy before catching him alight.
With a horrid, blood curdling scream, the boy was engulfed in flames, his small life extinguished in an instant. Vincent heard other boys scream and back away from the smoldering mass that was once a person. Vincent felt a sudden iron grip on his wrist and saw that Daric had taken it and now squeezed in fear. His grey eyes were locked on the sight and his face was devoid of expression.
Cadrian tsked. "Such a shame… oh well." He turned back on the still burning mass and faced the rest of them. "This is the beginning. Your training will begin at dawn. We will begin with apprentice spells and work our way up over the next few weeks. You will be sent for blunt weapon training and eat at noon sharp…every day with no excuses."
"You can't do this!" One boy cried, both literately and figuratively.
"Oh but I can boys. Who will miss a few Orphans? I'm giving you all the chance of a lifetime…If you fail…it will be the end of yours."
Vincent had had a bad feeling about this man but he had no idea it would have gone so far this way. This man was evil. There was no other word for it…and he had willingly walked into the den of the devil. Gods, what had he done…?
"You are forbidden to leave this castle." Cadrian smiled coyly at them. "No messages, in or out. Enjoy your time here boys. A servant of mine will show you to your quarters…." He lowered the cloth of the cage and the fire melted away from the boy's body, leaving nothing but charred remains behind. Then he left, taking the cage with him and leaving all the boys there.
Panic came quickly. Boys were screaming and asking each other what to do. Some huddled into the corners crying and screaming that they just wanted to go home. Beran, among them. Vincent felt Daric pull on his wrist and he turned his attention to the boy.
"Can he really do this? That was murder…"
"Apparently so." Vincent answered with a scowl. His mind wandered to Grace…if he would kill without a thought…Vincent's presence here may be the only thing keeping his sister alive. "What about your parents, Daric?"
"They wont come for me." Daric spoke flatly. "I'm the youngest of four boys. They have plenty of heirs and they never gave a shit about me anyway. When sir Belemonde showed up they sent me to him like a wrapped up gift. They were glad to see me gone."
"Sorry to hear that."
"Do you have anyone on the outside, Vincent?"
Vincent thought about Frey. What he wouldn't give to see Frey at that moment. He had wrote to him and told him of his adoption by this man, but not much else. Frey would not be mounting a rescue and with his own family drama, Vincent was sure Frey would barely notice. He may be sad, yes…but not enough to search for him.
"Not on the outside, no. Cadrian let me bring my sister here though. She's really sick and now I'm very worried."
Vincent suddenly tensed when he felt Daric's fingers slide down and lace with his. Daric's head rested on Vincent's shoulder and he breathed in deeply. "We'll look out for each other…" Daric concluded. "I'll watch your back and you can watch mine. We'll help each other get through the trials. You'll do that, won't you Vincent…?"
The closeness was making Vincent slightly uneasy but he concluded that Daric was just scared. Hell, he was terrified too and an extra edge in this sordid competition would be helpful and appreciated. "Yeah. I can do that."
The servant walked in and surveyed the area. With a soft sigh, he summoned guards to help escort the boys to their chambers. There was to be no running…no fighting back…and no one did.
My time there became a constant and living hell. We were pushed to the point of exhaustion and then shoved over that point. Cadrian was ruthless in his instruction, whipping or eventually killing the boys who failed one too many times. Grace and Daric seemed to be my guiding lights. Grace knew nothing of the happenings and I was not about to tell her and worry her.
She was looking healthier, so Cadrian was at least a man of his word. The boys who had made it so far, were gifted with new clothes and improved living conditions. Thanks to Daric, both of us excelled. Most boys fell short because they were only looking out for themselves. In time though, Daric shed his innocent boy exterior. He spoke tough, played even tougher. I was starting to see a dark side of him emerge and it troubled me.
Two years later….
"Did you hear?" Daric spoke, brushing his long hair off his shoulder and settling down across Vincent at the table.
"Hear what?" The redhead asked, moving his potato back and forth on his plate, not looking up. He hadn't slept a wink last night.
"Last night." Daric clarified. "I heard screaming."
"Yes. I heard it too." Vincent glanced up at Daric and found him in a better state then himself. "Did you sleep?"
"A bit." Daric admitted. "They also found Beran in his room. He apparently hung himself."
Vincent almost choked on his own spit. "Really?"
"Guess he couldn't take it." Daric sighed and rolled his eyes. "He was always weak."
Vincent narrowed his eyes at Daric. The man he'd known and come to trust was starting to ebb away with each death. "Don't say that."
"Why not?" Daric huffed. "It's not like it's a huge secret, Vincent. He would have been fed to the flame…just like the others. We're the only two left and we are the best. He had no hope of wining."
So they were. Vincent locked eyes with Daric who seemed to have come to the same solution. There were only two of us left. Now it was every man for themselves. Daric pat Vincent on the wrist and saw him flinch as if in pain. Daric, startled, pulled his hand away quickly as if Vincent was on fire and eyed his friend warily.
"You're hurt…aren't you?" Daric sighed and reached for Vincent's wrist again. Vincent kept it out of his grasp this time.
"I'm fine."
Did the master hurt you really bad again?"
"He hurts both of us."
"You more so then I."
"Because I don't give in to his revolting desire."
Daric froze and his grey eyes widened a fraction before turning back to their narrowed and cold indifference. "It's….not so bad Vincent….once you get used to it anyway…"
"I don't care." The redhead huffed. "That man is evil. He kills people….innocent people."
"Wouldn't it be easier to just give in to him?" Daric protested. "He wouldn't hurt you so bad….maybe he'd go easier on the beatings? I don't like having to wait by your bedside after he hurts you and wait for you to wake up."
"Sorry my defiance is such a burden to you."
Daric scowled. "That's not what I meant."
"The healers fix me up just fine. They do good work with their restoration magic. I don't even have any bruises when I wake…although the ache is still there…."
"Just do what he wants, Vincent…" Daric almost pleaded. "So what if your pride gets damaged? Do it, if not for yourself, then for Grace."
Vincent huffed. He didn't like bringing his sister into this. "He hasn't threatened me with grace's well being just yet. He pushes the issue…but not as hard as you'd think. It's easier to just smash my face against the floor and leave me then convince me."
"I'm surprised he hasn't killed you for your defiance…or raped you."
Vincent looked up into those grey eyes, which stared back at him with a mirrored expression. "Oh yeah?"
"He did…to some of the other boys."
"Did he…to you?"
Daric shook his head. "No."
Vincent felt a small relief wash over him. "Good. I wouldn't want anything like that to happen to you."
Daric was eerily silent for a good minute before he cleared his throat. "After Mace training today…what are you doing with your free half-hour?"
"I was going to go see Grace and Mrs. Changine in the med bay."
"Can I come with you? I've got nothing to do."
"I guess so."
Vincent dumped the rest of his lunch, finding he had no appetite at the moment and went with Daric to their blunt weapon training. They'd been doing this for two years and both felt the mace was like an extension of themselves. They'd even been given beautiful ebony maces as rewards for doing so well. When they finished their practice and made their way down to the medical wing of the castle.
Vincent had been down here increasingly often and it wasn't to see Mrs. Changine and his sister. They were in the office…when Vincent was brought in, it was always at the back where is sister couldn't see. The beatings had increased as of late and it seemed every other day Cadrian was paying him visits. Maybe he was growing impatient….
"Hello big brother." Grace chimed, sitting in her chair, knitting away.
Vincent smiled and knelt down to hug her. "Hello, kiddo. You look good today."
"Ah Vincent…" Mrs. Changine spoke walking over. Her old eyes seemed tired but widened slightly when they fell on Daric. "Daric too…? What a surprise."
"Hello." Daric spoke quietly.
Vincent pulled over a chair to sit beside his sister. "What are you knitting?"
"A scarf." she shrugged. "Maybe I'll make it match your coat."
Daric snickered. Vincent's lips twitched slightly. He kept that coat hanging up in his room and never really wore it.
"That's…cute." Daric commented and put a hand on Vincent's shoulder.
"Yeah. Real cute…" Vincent ignored the hand and turned his attention back to Grace. "You should make something for yourself, Grace. I rarely leave the castle." And by rarely, he meant not at all. Cadrian didn't allow them to roam.
"Daric?" Mrs. Changine called softly. "Will you help me get a box down off the top shelf in the back?"
"Sure. Be right back."
His hand slid from Vincent's shoulder as he followed the elderly woman to the back room. Vincent watched him go and sighed quietly. Grace giggled and caught his attention yet again.
"What?"
"He fancies you."
Vincent felt his eye twitch. "He does not."
"Yes he does." She persisted and giggled again.
"Well, it's not like that. He's just a friend. Like a brother, even."
"Not your type brother…?"
"I don't have a type…"
She rolled her eyes. "Right. Sure you don't…"
"When have I dated anyone Grace?"
"Never, from what I've seen."
"Exactly. So how can I have a type if I've never dated anyone?"
"You liked Frey." Vincent heard himself sputter and Grace laughed. "You just like Nords then?"
"I did NOT like Frey."
"He's really handsome." she smiled wistfully. "I don't blame you brother…and I wouldn't be upset if you were gay." Vincent was literately too stunned to say a word. She continued anyway, undeterred. "If you were, I'd never have to worry about some lady taking you away from me. It would be like…having another brother! Sort of… well, I would want you to be happy, anyway. If loving men makes you happy brother, then I have no problem with it."
"G-Grace…what-"
"Frey would have been a good choice." She continued as she knit, without missing a beat. "He was very nice to me and treated me like a little sister already. He would have been able to take care of you. He was strong."
"I…I don't…"
"Brother….I watched you all the time. I could tell."
Vincent just stared at her like she had six heads before sighing deeply. "What in Oblivion do you want me to say Grace?"
She smiled proudly. "Nothing at all, big brother."
He felt his eye twitch again. Damn kid…
"I'm back." Daric spoke coming out of the back room with . He paused and looked at the two siblings sitting so close and looked back and forth between them. "Are you ready to go? Free time is almost up."
"Yeah." Vincent leaned down and kissed Grace on the cheek. "Behave yourself."
"I always do." she cooed innocently and winked at him.
Daric strode out into the hallway and before Vincent could make to follow, Mrs. Changine grabbed him by the arm.
"Vincent…wait."
He looked back at the elderly woman and saw slight desperation in her features. "Is everything okay…?" She bit her lip…looking as if she had something very important to say. Vincent could see the conflict in here eyes as well as brief and startling fear. "Mrs. Changine?"
"N-…nothing…" She let his arm go and looked dejectedly at the floor. "Be careful Vincent." Then she turned to Grace with a big smile, as if that awkward exchange had not taken place. "Come on dear, lets go get out the heavy quilts for tonight. It's going to be cold…"
"Are you coming?" Daric called from the hallway.
Vincent edged out of the room warily and into the hallway. He had the nagging feeling that she had to tell him something extremely important bust lost her nerve at the last moment.
"You know, Vincent…You really look nothing like your sister."
The sudden statement caught Vincent off guard. "She looks like our father. I look like our mother."
"Yeah, well…there's no resemblance at all." He sighed. "Shouldn't there be at least some resemblance?"
"It just didn't work out that way…" Vincent scowled, slightly annoyed at his statement. "What are you getting at?"
Daric scoffed. "Nothing. Don't get so upset, I was just asking."
Vincent was still tense, but his shoulders slumped slightly. "Right… sorry."
"Hmm… Well, come on." Daric changed the subject. "We're to meet the master in his study."
"Is that today?" Vincent paled. He'd completely forgotten.
"Yes."
"Wonderful…" Vincent muttered as they strode up to his office door. Daric knocked, gingerly and they waited for their master to command them to enter.
Within moments an amused sounding, "enter." came from within. They opened the door and the sight made Vincent instantly recoil and vomit up the meager lunch he had earlier. He felt Daric pulling on his arm, calling his name as he clutched to the carpeted floor, unable to keep himself from dry heaving.
"Vincenttttt…" he heard Cadrian coo, and if he had any more food in his stomach it would have bubbled to the surface to join what was on the floor.
"Vincent!" Daric whispered in his ear harshly as pulled on Vincent's arms again. "Get up!"
Vincent, who had been struggling to breathe, finally managed to get to his feet again but resolutely stared down at the floor and not into Cadrian's office. He could hear his heartbeat in his own ears as the smell of fresh and putrid blood invaded his senses. He wanted to gag again but he was determined to not hack up stomach acid. He could feel Daric's hand on his wrist, squeezing even to the point of pain. His grip was strong and Vincent felt so weak… How could he be so calm after seeing…THAT?!
Vincent suddenly felt icy cold and slightly wet fingertips harshly grab his chin and forcibly lift his head up. His blue eyes met the suddenly dark red ones that belonged to Cadrian Belemonde. Cadrian smiled and Vincent's blood ran cold at the sight of his elongated canine teeth. Vincent tried to recoil again but Cadrian's grip seemed to keep his whole body in place.
"What's wrong, my boy?" He practically purred as he leaned down to leave a long, disgusting lick up the side of Vincent's cheek. Vincent was paralyzed in fear and revolution, but it did not seem to deter the older man. "Don't you appreciate good art when you see it?"
His grip suddenly went to Vincent's throat and he pulled the redhead into the office that smelled of death. Daric's grip was gone from his arm and he struggled like a fish in the grip of a grizzly bear's jaws. He was cutting off his own air flow in his struggle but he would have rather died then be in that room.
"You know, my dear Vincent…this little struggling of yours has been very cute, but I am trying to show you something." He made Vincent stand in front of the desk and held him there until the struggling had ceased. "Relax…Just relax… Daric! Come here boy. Stand beside Vincent."
Cadrian let go of him completely and it took all of Vincent's willpower not to turn and run away. He knew if he did…it was all over. He'd be fed to that horrid flame in a birdcage…or worse…he'd be like the thing in Cadrian's office right now. He felt Daric beside him and it offered a small, barely significant comfort.
"Well…?" Cadrian asked, wiping a small amount of blood from his chin. "What do you boy's think of my latest art piece..? Vincent…dear. You're not looking at it." Cadrian mock frowned. "Look up. Do it." When Vincent didn't obey right away, Cadrian snarled. "Look. Up. Now."
Vincent did so and twitched at the sight in all it's glory. A man was hanging from the low chandelier Cadrian kept in his office. He'd been stripped naked and hung by the neck. His stomach had been cut open and his bowels were hitting the desk in a crude cacophony of gore and bile. He felt a hot tear run down his cheek as he was suddenly unable to look away.
"This…boys…was a man from town. His name or anything about him…really doesn't matter. He was cattle…and fed a greater purpose. Now, he's beautiful like this…and you both had the pleasure to witness your master in his true nature. Tell me, Daric…how does it suit you…?"
"It… suits me well, Master." Vincent wanted to scream at Daric for his answer but Daric was just looking out for his own skin so he guessed he couldn't blame him.
"And, you Vincent?"
Vincent finally looked away from the sight and looked at the now smiling Cadrian. "You're a Vampire."
Cadrian laughed. "Ah…youth. So naive and stupid. Are you stupid Vincent? Ah, don't answer. Of course you are. You've proven that to me time and again. To answer, your foolish little statement, yes. In a sense I am…but I'm so much more to that, thanks to a higher power."
He moved to be in front of Vincent and the grotesque sight on the desk. He went to touch Vincent's face and laughed as the redhead twitched and tried to steer clear of his touch without moving his body from the spot.
"Now that you boys are aware of the truth of my nature…you know that you are the only two left as well. It was been a wonderful two years and I wish I could have you both as an apprentice. Alas…today…one of you will succeed the other…will have to prove themselves worthy of the flame or be devoured by it." He turned both boys around and led them out of the office. Vincent was pleased to get the hell out of there but new fear had risen into his throat.
"What is to be our test, Master?" Daric asked with no trace of fear in his voice.
"You will see soon, my lovely." Vincent watched as Cadrian lovingly pet Daric's hair, and Vincent had to fight back more hot sick. How could Daric even stand to be touched by a man like that?!
He led the boys to the locked basement. In all the years they'd been there, they had never been allowed even near this place. Cadrian took out a key and unlocked it. It gave a heavy sounding clack noise as it did and the door creaked open on it's own. The stairs led down into a dark abyss with the tiniest of glow at the bottom. Vincent could feel heat from here and it scared him. He didn't want to follow the devil into this hell.
Fate didn't give him the choice. There was a persistent push on his back from Cadrian and he stumbled forward. Daric grabbed his wrist before he toppled down the stairs and Vincent was never more grateful to the other boy. Vincent looked up and smiled at him…only to loose that smile when Daric's own face was pulled into that look of cold indifference.
"Lets get going." Daric stated and started walking down the stairs into the dark. He still clutched Vincent's wrist tightly, so the redhead was forced to go with him.
Vincent noted that Cadrian was staying behind and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not… His heart jumped up into his throat as Cadrian, after an age, did follow them in…but shut the door behind himself so he disappeared in the gloom of the darkness.
"Daric…Let go...You're hurting my wrist."
"…." Daric kept pulling until they finally got to the bottom of the stairs. The floor was hard like marble and their shoes echoed as they walked on it. There was a small door at the end of the hallway that was emitting that small light. Vincent couldn't see through it but it was almost unbearably hot down here.
"Daric. Let g-"
"What does it matter…?" Daric asked as he turned his grey eyes to Vincent. "One of us is going to be either dead or changed. Promise me something, Vincent…"
Vincent didn't like where this was going. "Yeah?"
"Don't cry."
"D-Don't cry? What do you mean?"
"When Cadrian does what he has to do…just… don't cry. Okay? I hate the sight of you crying…"
"What are you talking about? Do you know what he's going to do?"
Daric opened his mouth to answer but Cadrian appeared in front of them, making both boys jump. How was that even possible?! He was behind them on the staircase and there wasn't' enough room to move around them without them noticing. Yes, he was a Vampire…but he didn't think vampires could do stuff like that.
"That's enough chatter, boys. Lets get this over with, yes?" He led them up to the door that emitted the light but did not let them inside. "Boys…do you know what I kept in that gilded cage? The one I first brought out that first day?"
"Some kind of flame." Daric answered.
"In a way, yes. It is…in fact my dears, is pure magic in it's raw form. If we had to give it a name, think of it like a magic Atronoch
. Or if you prefer, the spirit of magic. I trapped it in that cage years ago and if able to harness it, I could make something truly wonderful. Do you boys know why I fed the others to it? Vincent?"
Vincent shrugged, not wanting to hear this. He just wanted to leave. Cadrian was already a sick and twisted individual and he didn't even want to begin to fathom what he needed that spirit of magic for.
"No?" Cadrian asked. "Oh, Vincent my dear…You remind me a lot of my sister. Yes…I had one…just like you. I fed her to this flame…" he grinned and Vincent was surprised to hear that Cadrian would sacrifice a sibling for some kind of magical beast. "It accepted her and just like a disease…like vampirism, for example…it manifested in her body. In three short days, she would cease to be herself and be something greater… But…alas. My sister was a fool and a weak minded individual…much like yourself, Vincent. She wouldn't live with it and so…she took fate into her own hands… I won't bore you with a boring story but when she died, the spirit returned to it's cage…much like I had planned for it to do. You see, when the host dies, the spirit cannot go back to oblivion where it belongs. I bound the soul to that cage…it is trapped….much like you are….so tell me something Vincent… You seem the most capable of receiving the flame and living through the process. So…why should I sacrifice Daric instead of you…?"
Vincent's mind was sent reeling as Cadrian told the story and the question shocked him to the core. He turned his big blue eyes on Daric, only to see that cold indifference. Grey eyes met blue and behind them…Vincent saw the slightest bit of worry and fear. It sparked hope in him that Daric wasn't truly lost to him.
"Well? Your answer?"
"You shouldn't." Vincent answered finally. "Daric would be a better apprentice then me."
Daric's eyes widened and Cadrian even let out a small 'ohhhh?' of surprise. "Vincent…"
"Daric follows your every word and he is a good mage. He'd make a wonderful apprentice. If you have to feed someone to that beast, you can feed me. All I ask is that Daric takes care of my sister when I'm gone."
"OH, HOW SWEET!" Cadrian suddenly yelled, his voice no longer feigning sweetness. In face, he sounded angry… "Do you know what you are, Vincent? Not just an idiot! Oh no! You are perhaps, the biggest fool I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You had one chance…to save yourself and you decide self-sacrifice is the path to take. You think Daric is your friend?! He is not." Cadrian's vile smile returned. "In fact… he knows what I planned for you down here and he didn't warn you when you were in the infirmary with your precious sister…"
Vincent's head turned in Daric's direction. He saw shame filter it's way on to his face. "Daric?"
"Don't be too angry with him, Vincent." Cadrian patted him on the arm. "He pleaded so sweetly for you…Its actually kind of cute how much he cares for you….and wants you." Cadrian added the last part with a disgusting laugh. "I heard his plea's Vincent…they did not fall on deaf ears…"
Daric looked up at Cadrian, surprised. "Master?"
"I have chosen Daric to be my apprentice. I had decided this weeks ago." Cadrian smiled again and continued. "Yet there is no rule saying I could not have two apprentices. So. Vincent. I set up this test for you. If you react in a way favorable to me, I will take you both on as my apprentices and we can live like one big happy family."
Daric smiled and grabbed Vincent's hand. "This is wonderful news. Isn't it Vincent?"
Vincent resisted the urge to rip his hand away from Daric grasp. "Yeah…great." He felt like death may be more preferable.
"I've taken great care to soundproof this room with magic so you'd have no clue what awaited you, my precious Vincent…I hope you like it."
Cadrian thrust the door open and grabbed Vincent by his shirt to haul him inside. Instantly the smell of burning flesh and hair assaulted his nose and almost mad him gag. Cadrian twisted strains of magic in his spare hand as suddenly the unnatural light dimmed and the sound slowly sunk back into the room. The first thing Vincent heard was muted high pitched screams of agony that only got louder and more defined as the sound returned.
As the light dimmed, he could see the flame of the creature. It was formless, yet had shape all at the same time. It was out of it's gilded cage that held it and flowed around an object in a larger cage in the center of the room. It took Vincent a moment to realize that's were the screams were coming from. Vincent's eyes adjusted to the light and finally all the sound returned.
It seems like all at once, his brain was assaulted with everything. His eyes could see everything now…like what exactly that creature had been roasting to death. His ears could suddenly hear that pained, familiar voice screaming out for her brother to save her. His mind was suddenly thrust into panic as he realized what his test was.
He screamed his precious sister's name and made way for the cage. Cadrian wrapped a tight arm around his waist and kept him from advancing. He could hear Cadrian laughing. He could hear Daric screaming at him to remain calm and not to cry. He could hear Grace screaming in agony as she was burned alive and over all of it he could hear his own tortured screams.
His adrenaline kicked into high gear and without any mind for his own safety, kicked backwards, landing his foot right into Cadrian's groin. HARD. Cadrian grunted and his grip on Vincent loosened. It was enough for the redhead to get free as he ran for the burning cage.
Vincent grabbed hold of the metal bars that held his sister imprisoned and he screamed as hot flame bit into the palms of his hands, marring his white flesh. He didn't let go. He grit his teeth against the scalding pain and tried to wrench the bars off. Despite his efforts, they didn't even budge. He screamed in pain, frustration, agony and sorrow. Some point, Grace had fallen silent so he screamed for both of them.
He felt pain suddenly strike him in the chest and he felt like his body was on fire. That flaming spirit circled around him, his body felt like it was melting, yet he stayed intact. He couldn't feel the burning in his hands anymore and in fact…couldn't feel much of anything.
"G-gods…" His own voice sounded foreign to his ears. He watched the first shift rapidly in front of his own eyes. Everything was gone…everyone was gone…yet this creature rung true with a sense of familiarity. He felt himself falling and falling as he heard an urethral voice calling.
"Vincent…!" Daric's voice was distant and made Vincent smile. He must be going mad.
"Gods…just….kill me…"
Then all he knew was pain before darkness took him.
Quick author's note: This chapter is very long. I basically summarize the two years or so that Vincent stayed with Cadrian. If it seems I jump ahead too much, I apologize. I'm trying to keep his story interesting for the readers. I could go on for chapter and chapters about the little stuff I could have included but we don't really have that kind of time. I mentioned the stuff mainly of story relevance and YESSSS, there are a lot of hidden plots in here. Also, sorry it took me so long to update guys. I kept getting writers block. However, I know exactly what's going on in the next chapter so it shouldn't take me so long. Until then!