Drake Island
The Island of Drake, nestled within the expansive domain of Countess Demetria Kulux, stood as a tranquil haven with its white sandy shores and lush palm tree forests. However, the serenity of the morning was shattered when an unexpected and ferocious storm descended upon the island, catching the vampire pirates off guard with its fury.
Yet, the storm was merely a prelude to the true terror that unfolded. As Drake Island found itself at the epicenter of the cyclone, the peaceful city of the vampire pirates was suddenly besieged by a relentless barrage of fireball spells raining down from the skies above. The explosions tore through buildings and streets alike, unleashing chaos and devastation upon the unsuspecting denizens.
Confusion and panic gripped the vampire pirates as they scrambled to comprehend the source of the attack. Who dared to challenge the might of the Dominion of Kulux in such a brazen manner, especially in the remote expanses of the ocean? The aggressor remained a mystery, their motives, and identity obscured by the veil of smoke and flames that engulfed the city.
With no time to spare for explanations or strategies, the vampire pirates were forced into a desperate struggle for survival against an unknown enemy raining destruction from above. The once tranquil island now echoed with the screams of the wounded and the roar of infernos, as the sky itself seemed to turn against them in a relentless onslaught of fire and chaos.
As the chaos unfolded in the city and the vampire pirates scattered like startled prey through the dense jungle, their leader, Countess Demetria Kulux, remained resolute alongside her loyal guards. The urgency of the situation was palpable as they raced against time to reach the safety of their ships, their footsteps pounding against the earth like a thunderous heartbeat.
"We must make for the ships swiftly!" the vampire captain bellowed, his voice cutting through the tumult of the jungle.
"But Captain, what if the enemy targets our ships from the sky as well?" questioned a concerned vampire, voicing the fears that weighed heavy on their minds.
The captain's expression hardened with determination as he replied, "We cannot afford to stay and find out. Whether the enemy desires the city, the ships, or the entire island, our priority is to ensure our survival. We must sail to the mainland before it's too late!"
"Aye, captain!" came the unanimous response as the vampires pushed themselves to their limits, racing towards the small port where their ships awaited them.
Upon reaching the port, relief washed over them as they found the ships unguarded, a stroke of luck amidst the chaos that had engulfed Drake Island.
The vampire crew, in a frenzy of urgency, continued their preparations to set sail, their movements swift and efficient as they readied the ships for departure. However, their efforts were abruptly interrupted by the panicked shout of another vampire behind the captain.
"Captain, look!" the vampire cried out, his voice tinged with horror and disbelief.
As the captain turned his gaze skyward, his heart skipped a beat at the sight that met his eyes. From the ominous dark clouds of the storm emerged a monstrous figure, its form unmistakably that of a dragon – but not just any dragon. This was a massive undead dragon, its skeletal frame adorned with remnants of decayed flesh, its eyes burning with a malevolent light as it descended upon the ships with ominous intent.
"D...Dragon?!" the captain muttered incredulously, his mind racing to comprehend the gravity of their situation. The realization dawned upon him with chilling clarity – this undead monstrosity was a harbinger of death and destruction, and its target was their very lives.
With a sense of impending doom settling over him, the captain wasted no time in issuing a desperate command to his crew. "Aye, getaway! Abandon the ships!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos of the port.
As the undead dragon descended upon the ships with relentless fury, its blu fire consuming everything in its path, the vampire pirates found themselves trapped in a nightmarish inferno. The once sturdy vessels were reduced to charred wreckage, and the screams of agony echoed through the air as the vampires succumbed to the merciless flames.
Some desperately leaped into the water, their bodies aflame, seeking relief from the searing pain, while others writhed on the burning decks, their flesh blackening and charred. It was a scene of unimaginable horror, as the dragon's aggression knew no bounds, showing a level of brutality and ruthlessness that sent shivers down the spines of even the most battle-hardened vampires.
"Captain, that dragon is coming back!" a vampire cried out in horror, his voice laden with terror at the sight of the undead beast's return.
Realizing that they were outmatched and outgunned, the captain knew that retreat was their only option. With a heavy heart and a sinking feeling of defeat, he turned and fled back towards the safety of the forest, the remaining vampires following in his wake. But it was a futile attempt to escape their inevitable fate.
As they reached the shelter of the forest, hoping to find refuge from the dragon's wrath, their hopes were dashed as the undead creature unleashed its blu fire upon the dense foliage, igniting the entire area in a raging inferno. The once tranquil forest became a hellish landscape of flames and ash, the screams of the vampires adding to the cacophony of destruction.
In the end, the captain and his vampire pirates were consumed by the relentless flames, their bodies never to be seen again in the charred ruins of the once serene field. It was a tragic and brutal end to their journey, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the world they inhabited and the merciless forces that lurked within it.
As Countess Demetria Kulux sat in her darkened chamber, sipping blood from a delicate teacup, she exuded an air of regal elegance and power. Her pale skin contrasted sharply with her long, fiery red curls that cascaded down her back, framing her captivating features. She was the epitome of vampiric beauty and grace, a true queen among vampires, especially as a member of the esteemed Kulux Clan.
Outside her mansion, the ground trembled with repeated shakes, but Demetria remained unperturbed, her focus on the ritualistic act of drinking blood. Her personal vampire pirate army, a testament to her authority and strength, had allowed her to conquer numerous islands and subjugate their inhabitants. The natives, now enslaved, provided her with a steady supply of blood and labor, fueling her ambitions and ensuring her dominance in the region.
Yet, despite her power and influence, Demetria was bound by the obligations of loyalty to Lord Lazarus, the supreme ruler of the Kulux Dominion. Like every clan member, she was required to tithe thirty percent of her blood harvest from mortal slaves, along with tributes of gold and silver, as taxes to the mainland. It was a testament to the hierarchical structure of the vampire society, where even the most powerful were subject to the authority of their lord.
As she savored the crimson elixir, Demetria's mind briefly wandered to the disturbances outside her mansion. The shaking of the earth hinted at unrest or conflict, but for now, she remained ensconced in her domain.
Knock, Knock!
As Demetria paused mid-sip at the interruption, her crimson eyes narrowed slightly, but she maintained a composed demeanor as the door swung open without her consent. Two vampires, one male, and one female, entered her chamber and bowed respectfully before their countess. Though inwardly disturbed by the intrusion, Demetria remained outwardly calm, her curiosity piqued by the urgency in her subordinates' demeanor.
"My countess," the male vampire spoke, his voice carrying a note of urgency.
"What's the problem?" Demetria inquired, setting down her teacup with a delicate clink.
"We are under attack, my lady," the male vampire replied, his expression grave as he met Demetria's gaze.
Without hesitation, he strode to the window and pulled aside the heavy curtains, revealing a scene of chaos and destruction unfolding in the city below. Demetria rose from her seat and joined him at the window, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of flames engulfing buildings and billowing clouds of black smoke staining the sky.
"Who is the enemy? Have my cousins rebelled and declared war against the Dominion?" Demetria's voice held a hint of concern, her mind racing to comprehend the sudden assault on her domain. The possibility of internal strife within the Kulux Clan, once unthinkable, now loomed ominously in her thoughts as she awaited her subordinates' response.
As Demetria processed the unsettling information, she contemplated the possibility of internal strife within the Kulux Clan. While the territory was vast and her authority unquestioned, it wasn't beyond imagination that some ambitious clan members might seek to hoard resources for themselves, defying the customary tribute to Lord Lazarus. However, such treachery had never manifested in the past, making the current situation even more perplexing.
"Don't think so, my lady," the vampire female interjected, her voice tinged with urgency. "The enemy arrived with a cyclone and is attacking from the sky."
Demetria's brows furrowed in confusion and concern. The sudden and unexpected nature of the assault, coupled with the unconventional method of attack, left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. She had never encountered an enemy capable of launching such a coordinated and devastating strike, especially one that utilized natural disasters as a weapon.
"A cyclone... attacking from the sky," Demetria repeated, her mind racing to assess the implications of this new threat. The enemy's ability to manipulate the elements and harness destructive forces was a formidable challenge, one that demanded swift and decisive action.
The female vampire continued, her voice tinged with urgency. "Yes, my lady! Furthermore, reports from the port confirm that our pirate army attempted to flee using the ships, but they were met with a dragon that incinerated both the vessels and our forces."
The Countess's fury flared at the thought of her own army abandoning her in a time of crisis. "They dared to leave us behind?!" she seethed, her pale features contorted with rage. The betrayal of her own forces stung deeply, especially since her vampire army was sworn to protect and serve her above all else.
The female vampire nodded in agreement, acknowledging the shameful act of desertion. "I know, my lady. It is indeed a disgraceful act. However, it appears that the enemy's intentions extend beyond mere attack—they seem determined to ensure that no one escapes from Drake Island."
Demetria's mind raced with possibilities and strategies, her anger momentarily overshadowed by the urgency of the situation. She knew that they were facing a formidable foe—one that not only possessed the ability to attack from the skies but also had a ruthless determination to prevent any escape from the island.
As Demetria contemplated the gravity of the situation, her mind racing with strategies to counter the sky-borne assault, she came to a grim realization. The enemy's overwhelming force and the unprecedented nature of their attack left her with no choice but to consider drastic measures for survival.
"We must hold the enemy for now," Demetria declared to her loyal vampire subordinates, her voice firm with resolve. "But if we find ourselves with no chance of victory, we must resort to the old ways... underwater."
The suggestion hung heavy in the air, the implication clear to her subordinates. As undead beings, Demetria and her vampire cohorts possessed the ability to traverse the ocean depths without fear or hindrance. It was a tactic they had employed in the past, using the element of surprise to launch devastating invasions on unsuspecting islands.
The murmurs of agreement and understanding rippled through the room as Demetria's advisors acknowledged the wisdom of her plan. "Prepare our underwater passages," she commanded, her gaze steady and determined. "Ensure our escape routes are secure and that our forces are ready to make the transition seamlessly if need be."
With a sense of urgency, Demetria and her vampire army set about making preparations for both defense and escape. The enemy may have the advantage in the skies, but beneath the waves, the Kulux Clan would find sanctuary and opportunity. It was a gamble, but in the face of overwhelming odds, it was a gamble they were willing to take to ensure their survival and the preservation of their dominion.
As Demetria stepped outside, her crimson hair billowing in the wind, she surveyed the gathered army of loyalists who had been tending to the gardens of her mansion. Their loyalty and dedication to their countess were unwavering, a testament to the respect and authority Demetria commanded among her followers.
The vampire pirates who had not yet managed to flee the chaos joined the ranks, their grim expressions reflecting the devastation they had witnessed.
As they approached the devastated city, the once vibrant streets now lay in ruins, a grim testament to the ferocity of the enemy's assault. A vampire pirate voiced the doubts lingering in their minds, questioning the wisdom of marching into what seemed like a lost cause.
"Oi, lads and lasses, the city's turned into a bloody graveyard. What's the sense in us venturing there?" the vampire pirate's skepticism echoed through the ranks.
A vampire female spoke "We march not out of blind recklessness, but out of necessity. We must uncover the identity of our enemy and assess the situation. Knowledge is our greatest weapon."
Another vampire, her resolve shining through, added, "Aye, we must know who dares to challenge us and if we stand a chance against them. But should the odds turn against us, we have our contingencies."
"And what might that be?" the skeptical pirate pressed.
"We retreat, we regroup," the armored vampire replied with a steely resolve. "We have the advantage of the sea. If the land proves too perilous, we take to the undersea depths where our enemies cannot easily follow."
As the vampire army moved through the desolate city, the eerie silence hung thick in the air, a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction that surrounded them. The once vibrant streets were now littered with debris and the fallen bodies of their comrades, a grim reminder of the fierce battle that had taken place moments ago.
"Soldiers, restore order to my island! We must reclaim control and secure our territory once more!" Demetria's voice cut through the quietude, commanding her soldiers to reclaim control of their island. Her orders sparked a sense of urgency and determination among the troops as they rallied to restore order amidst the ruins.
"Aye, my Countess! You heard her, lads! Let's get to work!" shouted one of the soldiers, rallying the others to action.
Just as a fleeting moment of relief washed over them, a sudden and violent disturbance shattered the calm. A massive force punched through the side of a nearby building, sending rubble flying and jolting the army back into a state of high alert.
"Protect the Countess!" shouted Demetria's guards, forming a protective ring around her as they scanned the surroundings for the source of the unexpected attack.
Tension crackled in the air as the soldiers braced themselves, their weapons at the ready, prepared to face whatever new threat emerged from the shadows of the ravaged city.
The wind cleared the smoke, revealing the formidable foe standing before the vampire army. Gasps of astonishment and fear rippled through the ranks as the soldiers laid eyes on the towering, bulky monster clad in dark armor, wielding a menacing double-blade battle ax.
"What in the seven hells is that thing?" exclaimed the startled vampire pirate, his voice tinged with disbelief and apprehension.
The monster's presence alone seemed to exude an aura of dread, its armor gleaming menacingly in the dim light. Its eyes, glowing with an otherworldly intensity, locked onto Demetria and her guards with unwavering focus.
Demetria remained composed despite the rising tension, her mind racing to assess the situation and formulate a plan of action. "Stay vigilant, soldiers! Prepare for battle, but do not engage until we understand the capabilities of our adversary."
The monster made no move, its stance imposing and formidable. It seemed to be sizing up its opponents, perhaps gauging their strength before unleashing its own onslaught.
The monster's roar echoed through the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of the vampire army as it charged forward with relentless fury. With a thunderous crash, the creature slammed its massive weapon into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the earth. In a blur of motion, it launched itself at the vampire soldiers, intent on sowing chaos and destruction.
"Stand your ground! Focus your attacks on its weak points!" A vampire's voice cut through the chaos, rallying the troops to face the monstrous adversary head-on.
The first line of the army surged forward, their weapons raised and ready to confront the monstrous foe. But before they could even close the distance, the enemy's power was unleashed like a devastating hurricane. With a single sweep of its battle ax, the creature cleaved through the soldiers like a scythe through the wheat, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Limbs flew, cries of pain pierced the air, and blood painted the ground as the vampire army found itself outmatched by this formidable foe.
The horrifying display of strength and brutality sent shockwaves of horror through the remaining vampire soldiers. The monster's unstoppable rampage seemed like a force of nature, leaving destruction and death in its wake with each swing of its deadly weapon.
As Demetria surveyed the chaotic scene, her mind racing with the realization that their adversary was far beyond their capabilities, she knew that sending all her soldiers to certain death would be futile. With a heavy heart, she made the difficult decision to order a retreat to the sea, knowing that their only chance of survival lay in escape rather than futile resistance.
"Everyone... to the sea now!" Demetria's voice carried a sense of urgency as she rallied her remaining forces to abandon the doomed battle and seek refuge in the waters.
"Countess, go! We'll hold that thing off as long as we can!" urged a group of her vampire guards, their loyalty and sacrifice evident in their determination to give their countess a chance to escape.
With a silent nod of gratitude, Demetria acquiesced to their plea, knowing that their sacrifice would not be in vain. She couldn't bear to watch as her loyal guards faced the monstrous enemy alone, but she trusted in their bravery and sacrifice as she led the rest of her small army toward the safety of the sea.
As they fled, Demetria couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief. How could such creatures exist in their realm? The Dominion of Kulux had ventured too far into uncharted territories, unaware of the dangers lurking beyond their knowledge.
As they fled, a lone vampire among the group taunted the monster, hoping to distract it and buy time for their escape. "Fight us, monster!" he shouted defiantly, drawing the creature's attention away from the retreating vampires.
To their shock and horror, the monster spoke in a deep, ominous voice for the first time, its intelligence and malice evident in its words. "Hahaha, foolish creatures, you think there is an escape from the inevitable?"
The realization that they were facing not just mindless beasts but intelligent, cunning adversaries sent a chill down the spines of the vampire group. Their doom seemed inevitable as more monsters emerged in the city, closing in on them with relentless aggression.
With no other options left, the group of vampires launched a desperate attack on the monstrous enemy, but their efforts were futile. In a matter of moments, they were overwhelmed and massacred.
Demetria's heart raced as she led her weary army through the dense palm forest that skirted the western shores of the island. The journey had been harrowing, with losses mounting at every turn. Yet, the glimmer of hope beckoned as Soran Island's sanctuary awaited them, a place where they could regroup and plan their next move.
But just as the distant waves lapped against the shore, signaling their imminent escape, dread clenched Demetria's gut. Her keen eyes spotted movement ahead—a sinister silhouette emerging from the sea's embrace. It wasn't a welcoming party awaiting them; it was another army, one comprised not of men but of monstrous creatures clad in formidable plate armor.
"By the gods," Demetria whispered, her voice tight with disbelief and a growing sense of despair. "They've beaten us here."
Her warriors, already worn from battles past, halted at her side, their weapons clutched tightly but their resolve wavering in the face of this new threat. The sea breeze carried the sound of clanking armor and guttural roars, amplifying the tension that hung thick in the air.
As if their predicament couldn't worsen, a shadow fell upon them from above. Demetria's gaze shot skyward, and her breath caught in her throat. A massive dragon, its scales shimmering like molten gold in the fading sunlight, had descended behind them, effectively sealing off their retreat.
Demetria's voice rang out, desperate yet determined, as she called out to save what remained of her army. "Wait, we surrender! Spare us!"
The monstrous soldiers halted their advance, their eyes glinting with malice as they closed in on the defeated vampires. "Drop your weapons, you wretched creatures!" one of them barked, his tone dripping with contempt.
Reluctantly, Demetria's army obeyed, the sound of swords and shields clattering against the sand echoing across the shoreline.
"Kneel before us!" commanded the undead monster, his voice carrying the weight of impending doom. The vampires, once fierce warriors, now bowed their heads in submission.
"Please, sir, we surrender. Spare us further bloodshed," Demetria pleaded, her eyes locked on the imposing figure before her.
Laughter erupted from the ranks of the undead, a chilling sound that sent shivers down the spines of those who knelt before them. "No more bloodshed? From vampires?" mocked the leader, his grin twisted with cruel amusement. "You're in no position to bargain, bloodsucker."
Demetria's heart sank as she realized the gravity of their situation. Despite their surrender, there would be no mercy from their merciless foes. The air was heavy with the impending sense of doom, and all they could do now was wait for the inevitable judgment of their captors.
The monstrous leader's laughter subsided into a cold, ominous silence as he fixed his gaze on Demetria, his eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam.
"Silence!" he thundered, his voice resonating with authority that brooked no defiance. "If anyone dares to speak out of turn, I'll have their guts for decoration, you filthy rats!"
His words hung heavy in the air, a chilling reminder of the power he wielded over life and death in that moment. The vampires remained silent, their breaths shallow as they dared not provoke further wrath from their captors.
As the undead warriors parted, a hushed silence fell over the beach, broken only by the sound of crashing waves. Demetria lifted her head slowly, her eyes widening as she beheld the most terrifying creature she had ever encountered in her long existence as a vampire.
Before her stood the embodiment of death itself, a wraith of unparalleled power and dread. Clad in a long, tattered hoodie that billowed around its formless body, the wraith emanated an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down Demetria's spine. Its armor gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, adorned with intricate engravings that seemed to writhe and shift like living tendrils.
Atop its head rested a crown helmet, the metal twisted and adorned with dark, ominous symbols. But what struck Demetria the most was what lay beneath that crown—a swirling, pitch-black void that seemed to consume all light and life around it. This wraith had transcended the boundaries of physical form, existing as a being of pure darkness and terror.
The undead warriors bowed their heads in reverence as the wraith moved forward, its steps soundless upon the sand. Its voice echoed in Demetria's mind, cold and commanding.
"These are what remains of them, sir. The rest have moved on," reported the undead lieutenant, gesturing towards Demetria and her subdued army.
The wraith monster, addressed as General by its minions, nodded silently, its hollow gaze fixed upon the vampire army. "Proceed with the reports from the operation, lieutenant," it commanded, its voice echoing with a sinister authority.
"Aye, General," the lieutenant began, standing at attention. "The islands of Dilmoth, Lorkath, Soran, and Drake have all fallen under Nazarick's control. Our forces have swept through the South, securing our dominance as we speak. General Nualia's troops are making swift progress in the North, conquering territory with ruthless efficiency."
The wraith's dark presence seemed to intensify at the news of their conquests. "Excellent," it murmured, a twisted satisfaction evident in its spectral tone. "Our grip on these lands tightens with each passing day. Continue to press our advantage, and ensure that our enemies know the true extent of Nazarick's might."
The lieutenant saluted, a gesture of unwavering loyalty to their dark cause. "As you command, General. Nazarick's will shall be carried out without hesitation."
With a nod from the wraith, the lieutenant bowed and turned to relay the orders to the remaining undead warriors. Demetria watched with a mixture of dread and resignation, realizing that their fate was now inexorably tied to the ambitions of Nazarick, a force of darkness that seemed poised to consume everything in its path. Demetria and her vampires were now mere pawns in a much larger game, their fate intertwined with the relentless march of Nazarick's forces across the ocean.
The undead lieutenant approached the General once more, a sense of urgency in his demeanor. "Ah, almost forgot another report, sir. We have discovered farms used to harvest blood from humans and other mortals. We have liberated the captives, but do you have any further instructions regarding this matter?"
The General's dark, featureless visage betrayed no emotion, yet its voice held a tone of remembrance and authority. "This situation brings to mind the time I eradicated the Orc Kingdom, where they enslaved other races for their own gain. However, do not inflict harm upon these rescued individuals, lieutenant. They are now under the protection of the mighty Overlord, Ainz Ooal Gown."
The mention of the Overlord's name carried weight, instilling a sense of reverence and obedience in the lieutenant. "Aye, sir!" he responded promptly, acknowledging the command.
The General's hollow voice echoed through the tense air, his eyes fixed on the captive vampire before him. "So, where is the leader of these scavengers? Did it perish during the invasion?"
The undead lieutenant hesitated before responding, "Not certain, sir... but I believe it's that red-haired one over there."
Demetria rose to her feet, her heart pounding with fear but determination shining in her eyes. "I am," she declared, knowing that she needed to act to safeguard her army and the Kulux clan.
The lieutenant, enraged by her boldness, snapped, "You insolent wench, have you forgotten your place?! Do you wish to lose your tongue?!"
The General intervened with a raised hand, signaling for calm before approaching Demetria with a ghostly grace. "And who might you be?"
The wraith's presence was suffocating, emanating an aura of terror that even a vampire could feel. Demetria swallowed hard before responding, "I am Countess Demetria Kulux, ruler of Drake Island."
"Ah, a lovely day for conquest, isn't it, Countess?" the General remarked, his tone chillingly casual.
"This senseless massacre you are committing against us is unreasonable" Demetria stated, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins. "I propose to act as an ambassador to forge a bond between the Dominion of Kulux and your nation... sir."
The General's laughter echoed around them, joined by the mocking jeers of the undead forces. "Hahaha, did you hear that, lads? This scavenger wishes to play ambassador."
The undead soldiers joined in the laughter, their reaction a stark reminder that these monsters were not here to make friends or engage in diplomacy. Their sole purpose was conquest and the extermination of their enemies, and Demetria's plea fell on deaf ears in the face of their relentless march toward domination.
Demetria's heart sank as she made her desperate offer, invoking the name of Lazarus Kulux, hoping to save her clan from further devastation. "I am a direct cousin of Lazarus Kulux. I swear I will convince him to not oppose your forces," she pleaded, her voice laced with urgency and desperation.
The General regarded her with a calculating gaze. "Is that so... Very well, I grant you permission to go and inform this Lazarus about us."
With a wave of his hand, the undead forces parted, creating a path for Demetria to pass through. She knew what she had to do—venture back to the mainland, beneath the ocean's surface, to deliver the ominous warning.
"But what about them..." Demetria's voice trailed off, her eyes darting to the remaining members of her army. As she hesitated, concern etched on her face for the fate of her comrades, the General's second-in-command, Angmar, issued a chilling command. "Kill them all!" he bellowed, his voice devoid of remorse.
"Wait, no!" Demetria cried out, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. The undead warriors descended upon her remaining army, mercilessly slaughtering them before her eyes.
Demetria's horror and despair were palpable as she witnessed the carnage. "Wh-Why..." she stammered, unable to comprehend the ruthless brutality unfolding before her.
"Life is cruel, Countess. Why should the afterlife be any different?" Angmar's mocking laughter echoed in the air. "You'd better hurry, darling, because my comrade is collecting the heads of your kin, hahaha!"
With a broken soul and a heavy heart, Demetria ran into the crashing waves, determined to reach the mainland as swiftly as possible. She carried with her the grim tale of the danger looming on the horizon.