Chapter 8:
"Ever since we were honoured to have met Leonardo and Mauricio Capelli, we had learned that they were royalty in their home, their father was a General, a leader who fought and bled alongside his warriors, I am reminded of tales of the good King Leonidas who was not only a king, but a general who fought by his men's side.
Caroline herself, she became intrigued by the Lady Valerie who we learned had been adopted by Leonardo's grandparents before their deaths. Seeing the images of war, death and destruction, it made us thankful that we had found a home in this beautiful region.
We never ventured far only staying within Italy and Sicily, our allies have stayed with us, we have helped them to set up their home in this region, as they stride out into the country, they were able to learn the language, make allies and become friends with the native Italians.
Slowly as the years grew by, the Italians rallied under House Capelli and quickly took over the kingdom, the Family of warriors grew in size as their loved ones awakened from their slumber and walked amongst us.
By the 12th Century in 1105, Leonardo was King of Italy alongside his brother Mauricio."
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1114 A.D.
Italy
During the Norman Conquest of Italy, Niklaus, Elijah, Finn and Kol travelled to fight the Normans and help to free the Italian people.
Taking with them they had both Kings Mauricio and Leonardo along with the men of the newly-claimed 'La Famiglia' they had proven to be unstoppable; they were made for war and war was in their blood.
Among them were James Lynn, Carlo and Alicia Donarelli, Matthew Doyle, Gerard Wilson, Adeline Wilson and their brothers, Kyle and Jacob, their sisters Lauren and Artemisia all of whom had awaken during the early years of their life in Italy.
Joining them was Luca Lafayette, Thomas F. O'Malley, Adam Zelinski and Eugene Thompson. And last but not least, there was the twin brothers, Jonathan and Patrick Shepard, the silent ones.
All 18 individuals were magnificent, they were quiet at first but as they seeped into their new surroundings, they found comradeship with the people of Italy and formed an Army that only swore loyalty to them and them alone.
Meanwhile, during their stay in Italy, the Mikaelson Family continued to hear stories of the Original Vampires spreading throughout the kingdom. Elijah was aghast as he raced home on his horse, he strode up to the pathway as he climbed down with Finn meeting him who said, "More stories?"
"More tales to be spread, frankly I don't know how the stories are staying out of Mikael's hearing range." Elijah said.
Finn nodded, "It's troubling, even now Niklaus hasn't harmed anyone, but whoever is doing the killing is causing people to think it's us."
"Aurora, it's got to be her." Finn said.
"My thoughts exactly." Elijah said.
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Looking around, he then saw Niklaus and Henry fighting together, they were training in duelling, the pair were evenly matched with each other's werewolf strength as Niklaus was heard saying, "Balance yourself Henry, you're too impatient and aggressive, be mindful. A warrior uses his instincts and looks for the opportunity to open itself."
"They've been at it again?" Elijah asks. Finn smiled, "Oh yes, it's become something of pride, Henry's beaten him several times and Niklaus has beaten him a few times."
"Evenly matched, I suppose Caroline hasn't taken Niklaus up on an offer to fight." Elijah asked. Finn shook his head, "No, besides it leads them going at one another."
Elijah groaned remembering the unfortunate memories of walking in on the pair in the middle of their lovemaking, even Niklaus threatened Elijah with dismemberment on many occasions.
Many of the Mikaelson siblings walked in on Caroline and Niklaus, often leading to be threatened with violence and painful injuries.
"Where's Kol and Caroline?"
"With Lady Valerie at the Monastery, Aphrodite's with Rebekah watching both Henry and Niklaus." Finn said.
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In the Monastery in Tuscany, Kol, Valerie and Caroline were sat in a circle, they spoke in Latin.
Caroline herself was silent however and when she opened her eyes, she found herself back in the dark place that had white paths stretching for miles on end.
She found herself in front of two people, a man and woman who she first saw many years ago back in Southern France, she then said, "It is good to see you again, The Ones."
"It's been too long, Lady Caroline. I thank you for finding Leonardo and Mauricio." The man had said.
Caroline was surprised as she asked, "You know them?" "More than that, they're our sons, Caroline. I must thank you and your family for helping them." The woman said surprising Caroline.
"They look much like you both. They're warriors." Caroline said blushing. The man smiled replying, "Thank you, my dear. I think it's time we told you why we sent them to you."
Caroline nodded, "From what they showed us, you were fighting a war, it looked bad."
"That's part of it, we were fighting a vicious enemy, one in which if they discover you or your family's alliance with our sons, they'll kill you or worse, then they'll take your children." The woman said knowing very well of this fact.
"Why do they wish to take children?" Caroline asked. Her eyes widened after several moments realising something, "They're using them as agents, turning them into weapons."
"You know they turned our children against us, but what brought them back was our love, our loyalty to one another and a deep sense of honour." The woman had said.
Caroline nodded and said, "We'll keep them close to us."
"For which we thank you, Lady Caroline. I must also inform you, that dark forces are becoming aware of you, the future is in motion, there are many possible futures coming into play, there is a kingdom you must visit, they're known for magic, but I fear that they use it for the purpose of conquest and violence."
"Where do I find this kingdom?" Caroline asks.
"Not far, but you must exercise caution, they're part of a collective of Five Kingdoms, Stormholt, Abanthus, Bellmere, Fydoria and Ebrimel."
"There are other empires as well, The Iron Empire and then an Empire from the island of Corina." The two had said.
Caroline then asked, "Is there a chance for peaceful negotiations?" "There might be, but it only can be asked if you yourself are able to fight as a queen should." The man said.
"I'm the wife of Niklaus Mikaelson, who is a king, I'm Caroline Mikaelson, a queen. And a queen must fight beside her king."
"You're strong and wise, young Caroline. We hope to see you soon. Good luck." The woman had said.
Caroline then shouted, "Wait, don't I get to know your names?" "You will know our names in due time. I promise you this, young child." The man said with a smile.
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Returning to the monastery, Caroline opened her eyes as she said, "Remind me to open my eyes more often."
"Another vision, sister?" Kol asked. Lady Valerie soon asked, "How often does this happen?"
"Often enough, but it has been many years since I've seen them." Caroline had said. She stopped and asked, "The Ones informed me of danger, horrific danger."
"What sort of danger?" Valerie asked. Caroline then replied, "A Kingdom, 5 to be exact, they're known for use magic, but they use magic for violence and conquest, something bad is going to happen."
"What were the names of the Kingdoms?" Valerie asked.
Caroline quickly said, "Stormholt, Fydoria, Ebrimel, Abanthus, Bellmere."
"There is also the Iron Empire to consider." Valerie had said to which Caroline nodded. Kol was confused as he said, "What is the Iron Empire?"
"Many lands made up to become the Iron Empire, it's other name is Ducitora, they're ruled by a Empress named Azura. Azura is a legend, a witch from the Stormlands born from a dying tribe, there are many legends that consist of how she became Empress, but one was how she challenged King of Marossi into a contest and declared if she won, he would step down as ruler, but if she lost, she would marry him." Valerie had said.
"Judging by this, she won and killed him, seized power through dishonest means." Kol said. Valerie nodded, "Correct. After she killed the challenger, she led conquests throughout other kingdoms with similar tactics and strategies, until she reached the western continent. Marossi itself is the capital."
"We should inform Niklaus and our family, they'll want to hear this news." Caroline said. Kol nodded, "I'll go to inform them."
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Kol left the monastery and travelled for days to find Elijah and Niklaus investigating a gathering of the 5, a set of mystery hunters.
Once he arrived, he came to them, as he saw 4 vampires with stakes in their hearts. He then watched a hunter speak with a crowd saying, "These demons live among you, passing as you. So witness with your own eyes."
He had opened up a box revealing another vampire who soon caught alight by the sun and fell to the ground in flames screaming whilst the hunter watched on in sickening glee and amusement.
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"What a show of sickening strength." Kol said.
"Obviously nothing, but I could eat that man for sport." Niklaus said.
Elijah smirked and replied, "Still heed the warning, with Aurora spreading her influence, people are making themselves aware of stories regarding the Original Vampires and they're spreading like wildfire."
"Such infamy is welcome, and I agree with you, brother." Niklaus replied.
His eyes wondered and they laid upon his sister Rebekah and his oldest daughter, Aphrodite who were greeted by the hunter and a younger man who kissed both their hands.
Niklaus's protective fatherly instincts burned as he said, "Perhaps you should wrangle our sister, brother. I'll handle my daughter."
"Allow me to accompany you, Nik." Kol said in joint agreement to protect his niece.
Kol walked with Niklaus and said, "It appears that Caroline got a message, from The Ones. Dark forces are aware of her, aware of La Famiglia. They've asked her to seek out allies, 5 Kingdoms, but to be aware of a place known as Ducitora."
"I believe we've heard of those stories; our father once told them to us when we were children." Niklaus said.
Kol had said focusing on the younger man touching his niece, "Yes he did, but if he's right, we could ally with them and their army will be complete."
"I should agree with you, but I feel that this Army won't be enough, I can only determine that it will take time for an Army large enough to be built and prepared." Niklaus said uncertain if it was true.
"Do you think that Leonardo and Mauricio will agree to this strategy of yours?" Niklaus asked again. Kol shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know, but I have a feeling that we may have to do something to earn their trust."
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Reaching Aphrodite and the young man, Aphrodite's eyes widen as she says, "I think you best let go of me, Federico. My Father, and Uncle do not like men touching me."
"What if I don't want to?" the man named Federico asks before touching Aphrodite's chest. Niklaus then speaks up, "Perhaps then my brother or I shall provide you with broken bones, or beat you to show proper respect for a lady."
Federico looks over at the two before laughing, "Really, you think you can beat me, I'm stronger than you both."
"Did he laugh at us, brother?" Kol asked glaring hard at the disrespectful man. Niklaus nodded and lunged for Federico gripping his throat very tightly causing Federico's eyes to widen as Niklaus himself said, "Now I advise you to leave my daughter alone and get out of my sight before it is you who will suffer an unfortunate and untimely demise by my hand."
"Federico, come with me, and leave the lady Aphrodite alone." Another man approaches, it was the same man who put on the show for murdering vampires and had said, "Forgive me, my Lord. I did not mean for my brother to touch your daughter in such a way."
"Ah, he is yours then?" Niklaus laid eyes on the older man, he then let go of Federico and punched him as he fell to the floor, Aphrodite walked to her Uncle and Aunt's side.
The older man then said, "My name is Alexander, I must apologise for my brother's behaviour, it was dishonourable of him to do that." "The local courtesans might find his behaviour appealing but I don't, see to it he does not do this again or else the good King Leonardo will hear of this." Niklaus says knowing that the name Leonardo will send a shiver down his spine.
"I will make sure of it, My Lord." Alexander said. Niklaus gazed upon him for a brief moment before asking, "Alexander, forgive me, but I'd like to ask you to share a meal with my family, if it is not too much trouble."
Rebekah, Kol and Aphrodite were shocked even Elijah himself as he overheard this. Alexander nodded, "It'd be an honour, My Lord, shall we say tonight?"
"Then we will dine tonight, Alexander. Until then, go in peace…" Niklaus said. Alexander smiled and replied, "And I shall say the same for you, My Lord, we shall see you then."
Niklaus walked back to his siblings and daughter before Elijah asked, "Are you insane, brother?" "No, Elijah, I'm not insane." Niklaus said.
"You invited that man to share a meal with our family after his brother laid a hand on your daughter's chest? What possible motive could you have?" Rebekah asked hurryingly.
Kol studied his brother's face before replying, "Of course, he asked them to accompany us to dinner because he needed answers regarding these Vampire hunters."
"And hopefully eliminate them from our list, I doubt they know of Mikael, but I'm sure they can be of service in helping us to uncover these Dark Forces I hear much about." Niklaus said.
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Elijah nodded with pride before he and his siblings and niece walked back to the villa together unbeknown to them, several figures watched them from afar, 3 of them to be exact, their faces were covered by the hoods of their armoured clothing. They possessed a strange sigil on their clothing as the leader had said, "We have found them."
"Should we tell him? Perhaps he may not believe us." The man on the left had said.
"Don't be a fool, we still don't know if there are others watching them, but I must find out about this La Famiglia that everyone speaks off." A woman had spoken, she had dark hair and blue eyes.
"Agreed, we must find them to find out more about this situation of theirs and we must keep an eye on them too, if they find out about them."
The three figures watched as the little family walked away before they themselves disappeared into the crowd.