Given

by aljaebriel

Richard Yan plus Avatar.

11. ocean of blood

Darren Shan
Ocean of blood Larten Crepsley Saga II
In Petu and Xiime ~
To: Shan, Ciaran, Aine and Cyan. Monsters of the deep!
OES (Order of the Bloody Entrails) to: Jessica Bromberg, the Kraken East Coast !!
Editorial Skipper: Sam Quint, alias Nick Lake !!!
Admirals of the Dark Waters: Captain Christopher Little and his despicable crew !!!!
Part One: "A howling and hungry creature dark pleasures "
Chapter One The vampire known as Mercury threw a knife through the air filled snuff smoke tavern. Those who were around him regarded him with bulging eyes, thirsty fascination, as he held his head back, he opened his mouth and hoped the knife down. Some people They are shouting, but Mercury did not flinch, expertly following the dagger view. At the moment, he gritted his teeth and took the road to two inches tip. While shaking the handle, he turned slowly so that everyone in the room could see. He pulled out the knife, threw it against the -where wooden table stuck to the bottom- and bowed. As the audience applauded mad, Mercury smiled and dropped in a chair near vampire and a group of young admirers. "See," he said smiling. "I told you I could do it." "One of these nights," said the other bloodsucker, "'ll figure it wrong and you end up with a knife in the back of your throat. " "Do not be an old woman, Wester," Mercury laughed. "You're going to scare these lovely creatures and I would not send them to bed with nightmares. " "It will take more than your boring stories to scare us," he snorted one of ladies, although they were certainly impressed. "What's your real name?" Asked another woman, embracing the strange man orange hair, impeccable gray suit and a smile dazzling. "I just revealed that my most special friends," murmured Mercury. Then, as she was blushing, he whispered in his ear, "Larten Crepsley." Then he asked for more wine and the rest of the night passed more calmly. A stunned Wester rose before Larten and bumped the window the inn where they had slept during the day. He looked through the curtains to sunlight, hissed and chuckled. It would take another couple of hours before they could leave. The sun did not kill vampires instantly, but they began to burn in minutes and were dying in less than an hour. If they exposed to its rays for two or three hours no of them would be more than charred bones. Wester was washed in a basin of water and studied his beard in the mirror above this. Shaving is a complicated matter for vampires. The normal razors were useless with hard hair. He and Larten They had obtained special hardened leaves a couple of years ago, but Wester had lost theirs during travel. He'd borrowed
Larten yours, but the slightly older vampire had told him it was When I learned to take care of their possessions. Larten had been simply mocking him, but Wester not want to give satisfaction to his friend to see him pray, so he had grown a beard since then. "My head," Larten complained, sitting, and then dropping. "What time is it? " "It's too early to get up," growled Wester. "How we last night? " "I do not want to think about it." Vampires can consume more alcohol than human and was difficult for them to get drunk. But Wester had was trying Larten to overcome their physical advantages most nights. "They were pretty girls," Larten chuckled. "They loved my trick with the knife. " "You should try it at the Cirque Du Freak," Wester said dryly. "Iria well there. " The pair had clashed with his former ally, Mr. Tall, a time back. It had been a couple of fun nights with circus equipment Larten had done some of his old magic routines in show. He had been rusty at first, but quickly adjusted. He had an incredibly quick hand, even for a vampire. That was how had earned his nickname, one of his friends said he had fingers that moved like mercury facts. Wester Larten and they had been traveling the world for almost twenty years since his first time in the Council. Both had learned lot, not only about vampires, but also women. Larten had It had a slow start but was making up for lost time, maidens dazzling smile, confidence and agility wherever breading. The couple occasionally met his teacher, Seba Nile, but He spent most of their time alone or with others their age, vampires thirty, forty, fifty or sixty years. They were young within standards vampires and they had been freed by their teachers to explore the human world one last time before committing the demands of the clan.
The door to his room burst open. Wester turned to the defensive, and then relaxed when a large vampire with long hair and blonde came in. It was Yebba. He had been traveling with them last month, but they had spent a couple of nights since the last time they had seen. "I thirst," roared Yebba, kicking Larten bed. "Top, and come to accompany me. " "Wester said the sun had not yet set," yawned Larten. "I do not care," said the huge vampire, and then He collapsed like a bear and sat on the floor, blinking stupidly. "A heavy night drinking?" Wester smiled. "Yes," moody Yebba said. "A woman broke my heart. What else to do but to drown my sorrows in beer? " "Another broken heart?" Said Wester. "Must be the fourth this year." "Yes." Tears filled the eyes of Yebba. "Vampires are not made for love. " "What happened this time?" He questioned slyly Wester. "Did you bite?" "That only happened once," Yebba grimaced. "It was an accident." "We happened to everyone," said Larten, leaning on one elbow. "No biting you remember any of your friends," Wester furrowed furrowed. "No, but there was a time ..." He coughed and blushed. "No matter." "Tell us." Wester protested. "Come on, Mercury, you can not leave Yebba only bare his soul. " "Well, remember one night a couple of years ago when I did not return to the inn? " "That happens at least once a month." Wester said. "This was different," snapped Larten. "I had been with a lady and had drink more than is good for me. I felt hungry on the way home, so I walked into a room to feed. But I made a lot of noise and woke the woman. She screamed 'Bloody murderer' hui and his room without shut her up. " "Why not breathed and slept on it?" Asked Wester. Larten shrugged. "I was drunk. I forgot my vampire breath. Before I knew it, a crowd had persguia made me out of town. Almost they caught me at the entrance and I burn vivo. "
When Wester and Yebba stopped laughing, Yebba said: "Why not You cometeaste? I had not caught once you reached the maximum speed and you disappeared from view. " The Larten blush deepened and Wester had to answer for it. "You can not flit when drunk, lose their coordination and not You can run that fast. " The couple broke up in laughter. Larten sniffed angry, his lips worse They are trembling at the corners. Eventually he laughed too. When your attack happened, Wester went to order food and beer and then three They waited for the sun to set so they could return to search excitement at the inns, taverns and gambling halls humans they had ever been.
Chapter Two After a few drinks, the three youths were looking for vampires any satisfaction that they could find. They were experts sniffing all the hidden pleasures of a city. The trio had won admission to a boxing match who were rather enjoying making big bets on what the outcome. Vampires usually did not care about the money, but the Cubs sometimes they stole human asleep when feeding. The people superstitious thought that vampires were fanged beasts that They tore the throats of their goals. Indeed, normally sliding inside a room, they made a small cut in the arm or leg of a sleeping human, drank only enough blood to placate his hunger and then spat to close the wound. Larten studied the scars on his fingers during a break between rounds. He was made the traditional way. Seba had cut fingertips of Larten with hard and sharp nails, then cut his own and pumped blood to his assistant. Larten was proud of their scars, but sometimes felt when studying one stab of guilt. Seba reminded him and wondered what he would think his teacher the recent behavior of your child. Larten and Seba had parted on bad terms, but had made the peace. Larten worried that playing, drinking and stealing, he and Wester they were littering the good name of his master. Wester sometimes had to remind him (especially when Larten had overdosed and was in a sensitive way) to Seba had told them that they had to work and shows human interests of your system. There were many vampires going at same. It was called Cubs for the older members of the clan. The fight resumed and burly men approached. Larten up the look in his fingers and concentrated in boxers. This was the thirty second round, and it had been so long since he had seen such a compelling fight. He encouraged the brave warriors while They faced, tired and unstable on his feet, but determined to continue. The flesh of their fists had been torn, and blood spattered ever one of them gave a blow. Red drops made her mouth water Wester and Yebba too- looked hungry and had to be advised Larten himself to sit back and not jump to the delicious wounds.
Some men gambled and roared encouragement or insults. All had the same hungry look in his eyes. "Mine is winning," he howled Yebba as one of the big men giving clear. "Do not you bet on it," said Wester. "You gambled on the other" "I did not!" Shouted Yebba. "Yes, you did it. He has that mark on his left arm, remember? " Yebba boxers looked with narrowed eyes and cursed "These humans will all look the same to me, "he growled. Larten and laughed and Wester the moody vampire passed another pitcher of beer. It was guaranteed that would calm. After the fight, Larten and Wester collected their profits and led to Yebba to a tavern, where they found girls to dance. Small people lacked the ballrooms of large cities, but you could always fix it if you arrojabas some money around. Later they enjoyed a card game. The three were drunk and they lost heavily, even Larten, who rarely showed defects at the table games. But they did not care. Money was easy to obtain if you were a creature of the night. Larten wanted to do his trick to grab-the-knife again, but Wester would not let him. He had removed the knife from his friend and had put off Larten reach while trying to retrieve it. If they had been sober, Wester could not have moved away from the faster and stronger vampire. But Larten was dizzy and weak. Wester had a knack for knowing when Larten going to take more than they could handle, and remained relatively lucid on those nights so we can keep an eye on his daring friend. "No jushto esh," he complained Larten a man with monocle. "I am Mer ... hic! I'm Mer ... hic! "He swallowed beer until he went hiccups" I am Mercury "growled majestically. "Yes?" The man said, handing Larten some snuff. "I'm in the fur business " "I do not interesssa," Larten drawled. "Esh my ... esh my ... "He grimaced and forgot what I was trying to say, then his head fell on the table and did not know more until morning. Larten was awakened by a fierce pain. He was out in the sun and your skin He had a nasty red. While he blinked to ward off sleep his eyes and tried to raise a hand to protect his face from the rays,
he realized that his arms were tied behind his back and that I was hanging upside down. His shirt was torn, exposing her torso, which was burned as deeply as her face. Fear took hold of his heart, but he pushed away from their thoughts. I did not know what was going on perhaps he had been caught feeding drunk but that did not matter. He had to escape quickly or it would burn like a pig on a spit. Larten went to work at the knots around his wrists. It was hanging from a rope, swaying and turning a light breeze, but He ignored that and kept as still as possible, except for his fingers, They danced on the knots. The long, hard nails were vampires invaluable when it came to knots and locks, but had to Larten be able to do a quick job. He had learned well from Merletta made all those years. Once his hands were free, he was released on the ropes They tied his arms and chest. It flexing upward, took the rope where hung with one hand, he pulled the ropes around her legs the other, swung in the air a moment, then threw at his feet and He landed in a crouch. His first instinct was to run to the safety of shadows, but she forced herself to study sheds entries around I was looking into a courtyard enemies who had hung. For a long, agonizing seconds, Larten sought his opponents and He prepared for battle. Then he felt a smell and his nose wrinkled in disgust. He stood up and shook the dirt from his pants. He took out his watch and checked the time was to appear, Sheba had taught him to tell time based on position of the sun and the stars then looked at the sky and sniffed. "My watch has stopped, Tanish," he said. "If broken, I'll take you money for a new " Laughter greeted his comment and four vampires staggered out of a shed. One was a sheepish Wester Flack. The others were Yebba, Zula puts and Tanish Eul, the vampire that originally Larten had given his nickname. "The same old Mercury," Tanish snorted appreciatively, then He hastened to throw a blanket over the head and shoulders of his friend and disorderly led him into the shadows of the shed, where a barrel Beer was waiting.
Chapter Three Tanish Eul was tall and thin, with a dazzling smile and hair and carefully groomed nails. He was always dressed fashionably and spoke with the soft tone of a rogue silver tongue. If Larten was Romeo, Tanish was a real Casanova; his success with the ladies was legendary. Zula puts, however, was one of those lower than Larten I had met. He was strong and ugly. Many vampires were hard for human standards, their faces scarred and old brands wounds, fair considered among his people. Poor Zula was considered ugly by any standard. Fortunately she did not mind, and even used shabby clothes and hair cut twisted to prove that he was immune to what others they thought of his appearance. Despite this, Zula had a surprising success with the fairer sex. Usually they rejected it at first, but after ten minutes in his company almost any woman was seduced by its charm. Tanish Zula had encountered a few years ago and instantly recognized his kindred spirit. They had become fast friends and it was not until you submit to Larten and Wester newest member of its scandalous group. "You have the most sensitive skin a baby," groaned Tanish while Larten He is resting in the shed and tried not to move; his flesh burned hurt as needlesticks each time he moved. "Been there only half hour. It would be a soft pink if my skin. " "You'll be red like your own blood if you try it again," said Larten angry. "What would have happened if I had not been able to undo knots? " "We were watching you closely," Wester said. "We would have seen if you were in trouble. " "And I had let burn!" Exploded Zula. Larten found herself laughing with others. It was a good joke, to Although he was the target. Wester was the only one who could not see the side fun. He smiled with the rest, but his smile was strained. Larten would Sensitive next week, his flesh sting and some of the wounds supurarían. Wester saw nothing funny about it. Vampires drank and talked for several hours, counting vulgar stories. Tanish and Zula had participated in some trouble, as
usual, and they had had to flee the past three cities that had I visited. "The problem with humans is that life is taken very seriously," is Tanish scoffed. "True, we burned a warehouse with a grain reserve for the winter, so few children will be hungry this year. What what? It will differentiate the strong from the weak. Humans are too tied to their young. The vampaneze have the right idea, the Humans only serve to kill. " Tanish winked at Larten when he said that, looking as innocent as I could when Wester broke. "That's a horrible thing to say! We were so same as them before being converted. They have shorter lives and ours are much weaker. If humans kill us We dishonor. The vampaneze are soulless scum never find the Paradise, and you're a fool not to see. " Wester ranted for another fifteen minutes. His hatred vampaneze was practically a disease already, and though he spoke little the case most of the time, people close to him knew what really he felt. Seba had tried to reason with him-just because a vampaneze had killed his family did not mean he should hate Wester all- but he refused to listen. Wester hatred by the dissident group of walkers night Larten worried over what worried Seba. His teacher had seen this dark inclination Wester many decades before and was convinced that the young vampire find an early end at the hands of a vampaneze purple skin or other. But had always expected Larten Wester come to terms with their defeat and leave your hate behind. Larten had urged his dearest friend Murlough -the locate it he had murdered his family and kill him. He thought that would finally help Wester to leave behind that dark night. But he was reluctant to Wester do. He had begun to hate the whole clan of the vampaneze. Sometimes Murlough swore up only when you get rid of the rest of the slag, the only way in which the enemy would suffer the same loss Wester had endured. Tanish shrugged when finally fell into Wester furious silence. "The vampaneze mean nothing to me," he said. "If explodes a war between us, I will fight them, happy challenge. But while the truce is in place, so what? "
"Desmond Tiny disagrees," growled Wester. "He said vampaneze they unite under the command of a powerful leader overnight, and your Lord will would lead to a war against us to wipe us off the face of the Earth. " "I've never seen the legendary Mr. Tiny and not think it's so powerful as some old fools, "Tanish said dismissively. "Seba saw him," Larten said quietly. "I was in the Mountain Tiny vampires when the visited after the division of the vampaneze. Seba he heard his prophecy. He takes it seriously. " Desmond Tiny was a being of immense magical power, which had predicted Clan fall into the hands of the vampaneze. Many young vampires They thought it was a mythical creature. Probably also Larten He believes if his teacher would not have counted on the night that Mr. Tiny visited vampires. He had seen the fear in the eyes of Sheba, even centuries later. "When I turned," continued Larten, "Seba made me grab Bloodstone longer than necessary. Stone said he was our only hope of thwarting the destination. Mr. Stone Tiny gave to us hope. Tiny craves chaos. He does not want us eliminate the vampaneze so easily. He expected to see us dragged into a long war and full of suffering and pain. " Larten looked back marks his fingers, remembering the night when he embraced the Bloodstone and gave forever the clan rules. "I did not mean to belittle Seba Nile," said Tanish, choosing his words carefully. He was not close to his own teacher, but knew that Seba Larten respected. "If he saw Desmond Tiny, I think you and I apologize if you I offended. " Larten Tanish accepted the apology, but secretly troubled him. He could beginning to feel away from Tanish and Cubs. Larten was tired of endless drinking, gambling and women. He was not ready even to give back to the world of humans and their many charms, but he was sure it would Seba in a few more years continue their studies. Tanish doubted abandon the easy life so willingly. Some Cubs ended up rejecting the customs of the clan. They grew tied to human comforts and chose to stay in that soft, secure world. General allowed them their freedom as long as
obey certain laws. Tanish Larten thought would be one of those who never They returned to Vampire Mountain, wandering forever between human. "Enough with the vampaneze cursed," Zula frowned. "Fuck with her purple skin. We have more important matters to discuss. " "Like what?" Asked Larten, with a twinkle in his eyes, anticipating the response. "A war party has been formed." Zula licked his lips and smiled. "Unless more than one night here. " "We thought maybe they were interested," said Tanish. "They thought well," chuckled Larten. "We will trigger darkness. " "With the skin as red as a lobster?" Said Wester. "A minor irritation," said Larten, wincing as he leaned on his bed of straw. Without further discussion, he closed his eyes. The other went to bed and prepared sleeping, but would be a long time until one of them sleep. They rested in the shade for much of the morning, closed but open eyes, thinking of the battle group, the growling stomachs of emotion ... and hunger.
Chapter Four The war was the great human addiction. Loved vampires fight and they became involved in bloody and brutal encounters all the time. But they had engaged in a war only once, when seventy members of his clan moved away to become the vampaneze. Although Several vampires had faced human forces in the past, They never were committed with all its conflicts. As an old jokingly he said, the war was not in his blood. Humans, on the other hand, seemed not interested in anything else. Larten had seen much of the planet over the last twenty years. There was explored the continents of Europe, Africa, America and Asia. The wars everywhere they raged while the men were new and ingenious ways to kill more of their own race. It was like a contest, all the tribes of humanity competing to see which committed the worst atrocities. Although mature vampires were not drawn into the war, the Cubs fascinated them. For them it was a sport to see, like boxing or fighting. Many gathered in the field and encouraged the soldiers, laughed at the innocent trying to escape the line of fire, They are betting on who would claim victory. And obviously fed Gods, how fed! The war that Larten and his companions traveled to observe that night was a minor skirmish. Students remember her in the following decades, but it would not be labeled as a more battles important at that time. No vast piece of land was at stake. The no history hung in the balance. There was no real benefits. It was only another clash of men who felt driven to kill each other another for reasons only known leaders. And sometimes even their kings and generals could explain why he was fighting. Usually they would to war simply because they could not think of anything else to do. Vampires came a few hours after dark. There were signs fighting everywhere. Blood stained fields, swords and muskets broken, rotting limbs, even some entire bodies. He felt the stench and the animals and birds were cramming, pecking meat from the bones and guts nibbling, making the feast more unexpected.
Tanish studied a field of crops trampled. His sharp eyes they discovered the body of a child between the stems. The head of a soldier I was half submerged in a rabbit hole. A barefoot sticking in the air, the four small fingers had been eaten, leaving only singularly thumb pointing skyward. Tanish He ran his gaze on the blood and guts, looking around. Then she laughed. "This looks like a particularly perverse lot," said Tanish enthusiastically. "We should have an interesting day." "Do not you think we've missed the whole fight?" Asked Zula. "Not for long," Yebba said. "I smell fear in humans air. In that direction. "He pointed to the west. "And on that." This. "Expect meet again, and when they do know that many more will die. " Although Larten could smell the soldiers, he was not able to determine precisely the essence of fear. But Yebba was fifteen years older and had been It becomes when he was thirteen. The vampire senses improved in most the first hundred years. The insightful Yebba nose led the way while concentrating on the way of his relatives. Vampires were harder to track than human. If Larten did not know there were others present, probably he would not have noticed the subtle traces of her scent in the air. They found the group of war resting under a huge, green tree. There were eight, Larten a younger couple, the rest of his same age or older. Tanish was the oldest, and immediately acted like was the top vampire. "Get up, you lazy Cubs, good for nothing," he growled, standing beyond the tree branches, looking angrily as A General. "Is that any way to behave towards their superiors?" "You're not superior to the grains of my back, Tanish," he caused a vampire. Larten recognized. Egin Jordan, one of three in the group already knew before. Jordan stood, hunched Tanish, scoffed at his face and then He laughed and hugged him tightly. "It's good to see you again, old friend." "And you," said Tanish. "You will remember these two." "Larten and Wester," Jordan nodded. "We celebrate eager last year, Right? "
The pair chuckled at the memory, but looked somewhat Wester embarrassed. She had exceeded that occasion he had been violently sick then. "These are Yebba and Zula Pone," Tanish said. "Yebba has a nose like a Zule hound and a villain of the highest order. They will be well. " Vampires shook hands and then stepped forward to greet the rest of the group. It was not long until they found drinking beer and telling the stories of their adventures. War groups were a relatively new phenomenon. Vampires They tended to stay out of the way of humans in war in the past, without drawing attention to themselves. But there were so many wars being fought now, at such a massive scale, walkers night They mixed freely with human troops in most places. The Cubs had begun to haunt the battlefields many decades earlier and it was now a common part of their lives. A lone vampire I could almost always be sure of finding companionship in a zone war. Larten happily listened to stories of Jordan and others, and was some of yours in return. There was much laughter when told them Tanish trick he had done the previous night, and Larten had to remove his jacket and his shirt to show his back sunburned. Whether it was recovered from the worst burns, but his skin still hurt to the touch, some vampires gave him a slap and booed when he screamed. I had to knock a few heads before to be left alone, but it was all in good terms. The next battle between the armies would not begin until Advanced the morning. Both sides hoped reinforcements. So the group went to bed when the sun rose and slept a little. When they were awakened by the sound of the guns, groaned, stretched, they took some umbrellas a large sack and went in search of battle. Larten had felt silly the first time had stopped between group of soldiers determined to kill each other, shaded by an umbrella that would have been much better to a woman. But he had I used to. Now he felt the same way when a hunter puts ridiculous clothes before mounting his horse and ride behind her hounds.
The Cubs found the soldiers in a wide field. They were fighting hand to hand. Most were armed with swords or knives, which they were the favorites of vampires. They disliked guns for a number of reasons, mainly because the evil clan saw its -the use Guns were the choice of cowards. Then there was the fact that guns could turn against the Cubs. Vampires were more harder than human and much harder to kill, but a bullet well He could have put even the best of them. It was a shameful way to die, your brain flown from a distance. But most they disapproved of the war Cubs long distance because it was boring. There was a lot of fun to look human shooting each other. The pleasure was watching them fight for survive. In dirty fights like this, dozens of duels were being fought, life and death dramas vampires could continue macabre glee, then leave at the end and discuss as if it were a game. Some of the soldiers noticed the curious men with umbrellas, but most were too focused on the task of staying alive. Yes They caught in a look at the figures pale skin full of scars walking alongside, they stopped to assess whether they were strangers or not threat. When the soldiers saw that observers did not have intent to hurt, his attention turned to those who do have them. Vampires were almost never challenged. Humans who saw no always they knew who their viewers, many never had heard the myths about vampires but they could not say visitors They were in their class. They would look at the creatures of sliding between her pale skin rows, moving neatly out of danger as they approached too close to the action. Sometimes the soldiers and persignarían They mutter prayers. But most chose not face visits Spectral and did their best to forget them if they survived. There were things in the world where most people do not want to do stressed in any way. Larten had fun that day. As Tanish had predicted, the armies They are fighting in revenge. For whatever they were fighting, the troops clearly they hated their opponents and were determined to shed much blood as possible before the truce was declared. It was not only stab another and then away. When a soldier knocking back
an opponent, he paused to attack again, gutting, smashing his face into pieces, until mutilating even when it was dead. It was a wild, bloody show, very much in Larten. Occasionally, as he jumped over the corpses and wading the pools of blood, Larten remember that he was once human. If your life had not taken the turn it took, he would have been injured in a field like this, he is fighting to death, killing that would have to. Are He wondered how he would have felt in that position, if he had raised the and seen a vampire look at him like a bug. Larten always quickly pulled that kind of thinking your head. One of the hardest things about being a vampire was separate yourself one of your origins. You had to leave behind old habits to really fit into the clan. There was no room for it if you wanted become a good vampire. You had to force yourself to see humans as a different, inferior species. A young man had been shot in the shoulder and spun by impact force. It fell against Larten, who steadied him with a hand, maintaining its right with another umbrella. The man's eyes They widened with fear and doubt. Then the pain hit him and bent. Larten almost he went to help, but the soldiers showed favoritism other army attack. Both ignored the vampires because they were neutral. Yes interfered, they were at risk of being attacked. Then let the young Larten man writhing in the dirt, alone and unattended, and continued walking. The battle lasted most of the siesta. The war group retired to the afternoon to rest. Debating highlights, each counting what he had witnessed. Some had been cut or attacked, and Jordan He had been shot in his left arm. But the wounds were not serious and laughed at them as they relaxed under a tree, comparing the scratches. Vampires slumbered, leaving the sun fall. When the darkness of They settled in the world, returned to the kill zone. There were no smiles this time, or if there were tense, cruel, inhuman mockery. There were jokes either. They proceeded smoothly and quietly. The umbrellas were left back, and when they reached the edge of the battlefield their bags were removed, coats and boots. One couple even took off everything, staying naked under the moon.
For a minute they stood to one side, drinking in the visa bodies and pools of blood that made her mouth water. No human is She moved. Even those who had never heard about vampires felt the threat in the night air and retreated to the safety of field. In Morning return to bury the bodies of their fallen allies and gather the weapons, shoes and other instruments. But the night belonged to the Cubs. When vampires were satisfied that the field was theirs, they approached. They went smoothly, just trampling the lawn while They advanced on the bodies. His nostrils and eyes were fine open. Baba fell from the lips of many. Some trembled with expectation. Other growled softly. They were kept as a group until they were in the middle of the slaughter. All eyes rested on Tanish. Although they had previously disdained their complaints as a leader in this situation thanked his right to direct. If he doubted, ignore them and go ahead, but gave him the opportunity to free them, as was the way of vampires. Tanish expressed in the manner of wolves, snapped his teeth and threw fours. Around it all did the same. Separating each the other, they dug the bodies of the dead, separating the meat from the bones, blood gobbling as if spilled from the sky, wallowing in the thick red liquid. After a while they began to howl and repeatedly hit the ground with the bones had been torn. Some fought each other, fighting awkwardly, but the fights did not last long. They could really challenge anytime. These perfect nights were reserved for wildest pleasures battle. Like the rest of the group, Larten is quickly lost in the frenzy of feed. For an hour or more, it was neither human nor vampire, only one howling, hungry creature of dark desires. Sometimes it is slipping between the cold and sticky bodies as a voracious worm, hacking, chewing, drinking. And all I knew what everyone knew ... ... particularly in that their world was during this intense, cruel and dark moment ... it was blood.
Chapter Five Vampires slept late the next day. A couple rose to see the fight in the afternoon, but most had seen enough and he preferred to rest, digesting the banquet and dreaming of future feasts frantic. "Wake up," he growled Tanish night, squeezing Larten ribs. "Leave me alone," grumbled Larten. "You've slept enough," said Tanish. "I'm bored. I want me teach new tricks! "You have mastered those who taught you last time?" "Some." Tanish laughed. "I'm pretty good at that I can use to play poker. " "You're cheating when you play?" Larten frowned, sitting up. "If I need money." Tanish shrugged. "I do not like stealing. Rather I work for my illicit profits. " "Do you think that cheating is working?" "We're just talking about human beings," said Tanish. "Never tramaría nothing against us. Come on, Mercury, you love show off. Have the fastest hands I've ever seen. Teach me, oh wise nimble fingers. " Larten smiled and took a deck of cards in a leather bag. The he slid a couple of minutes to warm up, and then taught Tanish a few ways to make the cards do whatever he wanted. I had to slow their movements so that his friend could follow. "You're unnatural," Tanish said admiringly. "Are you so fast in a fight? " "I've seen him fight many times," Larten said. "Skirmishes drunk, yes, but never in a real battle. Ever you have fought to the death? " Larten shook his head. "Not since I was converted." "You mean you killed before?" "I do not want to talk about it" "Oh oh! Mercury is hiding a secret. Tell me. I will not leave you alone until you do. " "That's not an issue," Larten said quietly, and although no There was menace in his tone, Tanish knew immediately that the vampire orange hair was serious. He snorted as he did not care, and then It focused on the cards.
While others played and fluttered around, a man He approached them through the killing field. He moved faster than a Human and took refuge under a heavy layer. Larten assumed it was another puppy that came to join the group. The newcomer would feel disappointed by decreasing the sounds of battle, it seemed that the soldiers had overcome the worst of his anger. The battle came to an end. The man slowed when she saw vampires under the tree. He studied, with his face hidden by the shadows of his cloak. Then he came. When was on the verge of reaching the tree, she dropped her coat. "For the black blood of Harnon Oan!" He roared Wester, standing, stunned disbelief. The newcomer was not human, but it was a vampire. Had the Red hair and nails and a pair of red burning eyes, and her skin was a shade violet. "I'm Randel Chayne of the vampaneze," he told the rest of the Cubs they were as shocked as Wester. "I came looking for a challenge." No one spoke. Everyone was stunned. Challenges between the two tribes night were nothing new, but the Cubs were usually ignored, unlike the General. This was the first time most of them I saw one of his distant cousins of blood. Randel studied vampires stunned, his eyebrows raised. "If so as vampires react with each challenge, perhaps not worth fight. " "We will teach you about pain, scum!" Shouted Wester, rushing against vampaneze, his hands twisted into claws, and his hatred darkening features. Larten grabbed his friend and stopped. "No," he snapped. "You're not ready for this. He'd kill you. " "Let me go," he growled Wester while Randel was put to cruel laugh. "You have no right to get in my way. I'll break your neck, and if you try to stop ... " "He will break your neck before you can lay a hand on him," he said Larten coldly. "He's not a wizard, you can see the dark color his skin. He is a vampaneze. You should hate vampires, or never have Cubs upset as us. He is not looking for a challenge, the only For easy killing. That's it, right? "He shouted Larten the vampaneze. "Do not
dare to face one of our Generals, so you want between Cubs inexperienced. You are a coward. " Randel scoffed. "I have fought and killed General, and one night I will fight and kill a prince, if the gods are good to me. I have nothing to try and not will react to the insults of rogues like you. But today, to pass the time, I want to deal with a puppy. I am told that They are slow and soft. Can anyone prove me wrong? " Wester's eyes sparkled and again tried to attack. Larten blocked it and He said without emotion, "If you fight, he will kill you and you can never take revenge on the one who killed your family. "Then he stepped aside, Wester leaving the final decision, as was his right. While Wester dying-he wanted more than anything to kill the strange, but Larten knew he was telling the truth Randel looked with disgust group battle. "Sure you have a leader," he joked. "Vampires love to be led. Not even the strong leader of the group will accept my challenge? " All eyes looked to Tanish. He had demanded the right to send and they it had been granted. If you do not respond to this challenge it would be dishonored. Any reputable vampire would step forward. Even Cubs rebels had to meet standards. Group members Tanish expected that villain did against purple skin, give a good fight and die with honor. But Tanish not move. Her cheeks were burning and stared the ground as if he could never look up again. When They realized that was not going to react, their faces hardened. Several they stopped for even battle wounded Jordan stood up but Zula Puts was the first to step forward. "I will face you, Randel of the vampaneze," said Zula, removing the coat with which he had been sleeping. "And when I kill you, I will honor your body and say a prayer to the gods of the vampires to accept your soul Rebel. " Randel river, but the mockery was gone from his voice when he said, "I accept your challenge. But I will not ask your name or say prayers for the gods you when this is over. This is our way. Simply We kill or die. The glory is in the battle, not in what you do or say later. " Randel moved away from the shade of the trees, to the deadly sunlight. Like vampires, he could not stand comfortably sun exposure.
But the fights between the children of the night rarely lasted more than a minute or two. One way or another, he would not have to tolerate the irritation long. The squat, ugly Zula followed Randel into the clearing. It was easy, the clear and steady gaze, willing to accept whatever is put in their way. At that time he was a true vampire, nobler than Cubs anyone looking at him, and they felt humiliated. "What weapon do you choose?" She asked Zula when they were face to face. "The hands are good to me," said Randel, flexing his fingers. "As you wish." Zula attacked with five sharp claws to cut through warranty almost everything on earth, including meat from the throat of a vampaneze. But Randel Zula blocked the arm and hit him in the stomach. Zula grunted and fell back. Randel could have pressed, but instead he stood his ground and waited for the attack of vampire again. Emboldened, Zula rose up against his enemy, then he stopped and took a deep breath, regaining his composure. When he regained control of himself, moved slowly, studying eyes for signs of Randel warning of his intentions. Larten had thought was Zula He doomed when he accepted the challenge, but looking at him now believed maybe the puppy had a chance. When Zula was within reach, Randel swung his fist at him. Zula it He blocked and kicked him in the shin to Randel. Randel hit him and fell. Vampires shouted enthusiastically, but their cries were short. When Randel fell Zula grabbed and twisted it around and down. Zula occurred too late that his opponent had anticipated the attack. Before I could adjust, fell heavily on his back, and on the outstretched fingers of one hand of Randel, the vampaneze had slyly slipped under it. Zula yelled when vampaneze nails dug into his lungs. A then he stiffened, his breath caught in his throat. Their legs suffered a spasm, but his arms were still strangely to sides. He swallowed a few times, blood leaking from his mouth, eyes wide, staring at the sun. I always thought it would die in the light of the moon. It seemed unfair that a child of the night was out of
Thus, before the sun went down. It had been hoped Randel a few hours later so I could have counted the stars again. And then he did not want more. Randel pushed away the dead vampire and the hand on the grass cleaned. He never looked at Zula, but looked pale vampires face refugees under the tree. "They are a disgrace to their masters," he growled Randel then took his coat, put it on his head and kept moving. Cubs stared at the vampaneze as he went cometeando and were silent until he was out of sight. Then Larten and Jordan went to look for the body of Zula puts. The burn more or later would launch into a river, depending on what most thought the ugly vampire wanted. Tanish was sitting alone when Larten returned. He had his back to rest of the Cubs and nobody approached him. They are ignoring their fallen leader, treating it with the contempt it deserved. Larten sorry for his friend, but I could not help him. One of the first things I had been taught was Seba each man took his own decisions in life, and should abide by the consequences of their decisions. At sunset, Tanish got up and launched. He said goodbye and nobody he asked where he was going. It did not take anything, even he dropped his expensive coat and He dismissed his silk shirt. Larten knew, as he watched the unfortunate Tanish leave, that would probably be the last time I would see. Eul longer tanish It was part of the clan. He was not a traitor, but the Cubs never would mention his name again, and if anyone asked about him, they They respond with a simple and irrefutable, "Now walk with humans."
Part Two "If the whole clan opposed him, we fall."
Chapter Six The American Civil War was the bloodiest waste of life that Larten had to witness. The vampires had known about America long before Europeans discovered. Each clan had Leif Ericson sailed and treina and four others early in the second century, and before Paris Skyle became Prince had been at the Columbus hand when man had lost hope and was about to return. The ancient vampire would be sad to see what had him It happened to the country, but not surprised. Why these tribes should be different from those they left behind? People talk about a New World, but it was the same old humans. Larten watched from a distance the thousands of young men face and going towards a premature death. He had Wester and Seba camped on a hill out of the way of the fight a few nights before. Since then they had remained awake, leaving only camp hunting and stretch your legs. Cubs pair had left the group and returned war with his teacher a few years after the fall of Tanish. They never had They have been able to get lost in a war and other minor activities Just as they did before the dark day. They were embarrassed, and Cubs with those who were were a constant reminder of what It had happened. Seba never asked them why they had become assistants. It was surprised to see them come back to him as soon -not had anticipated but to another decade but a teacher not need to know everything about their students. He let them keep their secrets and concentrated on his training. Seba not humbled as he had done before, nor gave them tasks that do not they could complete. The pair had changed, Larten in particular, and now Seba He considered them worthy of respect. I thought they were ready to take the tests that would decide whether they were able to play a role active in the issues of the clan. While analyzing Larten sides fighting the Americans, he wondered again why Seba had brought them there. His teacher had never showed no interest in human affairs and had not even looked at the soldiers since they had arrived. What could have attracted to this whirlwind of slaughter?
Wester stood beside the man he thought like a brother and He watched her for a moment with him. Both were thinking Tanish Eul. "How much longer do you think we'll be here?" Asked Wester, but Larten just grunted in response. "You smelled the war party last night?" "Yes." Larten senses were much improved in recent years. There was been aware of the other vampires for the last two nights but had ignored, staying side Seba, ready to obey orders his teacher. "I miss being part of a group," Wester sighed. "Would feed in the field Battle was barbaric but exquisite. " "I'm sure the retrained opium addicts miss their pipes," Larten said dryly. "That does not mean that they should return to their old habits " "It was not so bad, "Wester said. "No?" Larten shrugged. "I've told myself not There was nothing wrong with what we did, because there were many other vampires enjoying the bloodbath. But that's no excuse. Perhaps human They do not deserve our respect, but also deserve our contempt. " Wester smiled. "You sound just like Sheba." Larten winced and scratched his nose, then his ears. In the past He had tried to copy the way of talking about Seba, and this simply when he made a mistake corrected. But since he had returned from his time with the Cubs, Seba took it more seriously. He asked Larten if you really wanted to improve his vocabulary. When the unsuspecting assistant confirmed it was the beginning of a new phase, one that had come to despise. He had even begged him to stop Seba, but the ancient vampire would not yield. Under the new regime, when Larten said "no" or "no," Seba tore * nostril hairs of his student, who was far more painful Larten what could have imagined. After a year of this, he tried to outwit his master burning the hairs of your nose, but Seba set his eyes on the hair of their ears instead, and that was even worse! The assistant hair orange quickly learned of such punishments. Suffered
"Do not" (not) and "can not" (not) in English. "It Does not" is short for "Do not", and "Can not" "Can not." Apparently, Seba does not like abbreviations.
some mistake occasionally, but rarely. It had been weeks since Seba had felt compelled to start a hair. While Wester Larten and watched, Seba joined them, enjoying the sun weak in the afternoon. It had been nearly half a century since he had known the boy scared in the dark crypt and had taken as his assistant. Seba had aged much those years. Her long hair was almost gray now. It had He shaved his beard and the skin around his throat was dry and wrinkled, covered with old scars and blemishes. Lucia battered and tired, and growled if he moved too quickly. He could still make a pace that his aides struggled to maintain, and it was as light of foot and quick hands as always. Sometimes he spoke of being near its end, but Larten suspected his old teacher could end this century and perhaps two more. I do not ever say that I did not want search unlucky. "Wester says I sound like you," said Larten "You must be running deaf," Sheba snorted. Protecting your eyes from the sun, He studied at the soldiers. They had finished their killing for the day, and limped from back to their camp, dragging the wounded, leaving dead for the creatures of the night could feel spinning. "Stupid nobles, "Seba sighed. "A war should be enough for any race. Why go on and on? " Nor Wester Larten or tried to answer. They were not vampires or about as long as his teacher, but as young as they were, both They found it difficult to remember the time when they walked like humans, or how his thoughts were working in those less fraught days blood. "We will move tonight," Seba said. "Only a few miles. It would will entail grateful if my coffin. " Wester Larten and went looking for the coffin rustic shelter Seba they had built, then followed him down the hill and around a meadow corpses. Young vampires had not yet developed a fondness caskets. They had slept in many while traveling with Seba, crypts or hidden graves, but when they were given the preferred choice beds. His teacher, however, only felt comfortable with pine walls its sides and a cover-up. He had tried many coffins from arrival in America. When he finally found one to his liking, he claimed
owned and begged forgiveness from the skeleton had evicted. Their acarreándolo attendees had been after him since. As the trio followed the course of a small stream, someone shouted abruptly from a tree on the other side. "The same old Seba Nile, always You must have modern amenities. There they can be arranged for an stone floor and a sky as a roof. " Wester Larten and lowered the coffin and squinted. Larten knew voice, but I could not place it. While he is trying to put a face, ragged vampire dropped from the branches. He was dressed in skins animals and a pair of belts tied around his chest, stars throwing them hanging loose. Her long green hair. He spat on as he crossed the stream, and was quite sure Larten listen to General to fart, but should It has been gnashing of trees. "Vancha March," Seba smiled. "I wondered where it came from that stench nauseating. " "I do not know what you're talking about," Vancha grimaced. "I bathed the Last spring, even if he did not. "He frowned. "Or was last spring? "With a laugh, threw a salute to Larten and Wester. "Are you still hanging with that old buzzard?" "Someone has to take care of it," said Larten. "He is too weak to carry his own coffin," he added Wester. Wester Larten and they had not seen the evil General since his first visit to Vampire Mountain, so we had to catch up. But before they could ask questions, Seba said the coffin and coughed deliberately. Growling, they took the coffin and followed at a respectful while their teacher walked away with Vancha and the pair discussed matters they were not for young ears. At one point they rounded a curve and Larten captured the vision of a store. I should have dismissed as a store of a human officer, but Seba and Vancha were heading there, so he settled in his coffin man and stole a closer look. The shop was not unlike any you have seen before. It was circular, high, wide, decorated with beautiful patterns sewn flower water frogs. It looked a bit like the store where the Cirque du Freak conducted its performances, but was nowhere near the same size. There were three stores
and smaller around a clothesline was held behind them, where They hung variety of dresses and women's underwear. A confused Wester nudged to Larten, who frowned at the women's clothes and said, "What kind of woman places her clothesline edge a battlefield? " The answer came to them both at the same time, but one who Wester he exclaimed, "A woman of the wild!" They shared an excited look, rushed behind her teacher and smelly ally, heading for the shop woman if they had guessed welfare was so powerful and crucial to the fate of the clan vampire legend as any goddess.
Chapter Seven Seba stopped at the entrance of the store and asked that Larten and Wester leave aside his coffin. He pulled his red shirt and coat, straightened some wrinkles and examined for dirt. "How do I look?" Vancha asked, spitting in his hand and using to comb back his green hair. "As a cherub," Seba whispered. "Do you think ...?" The flap of the entrance was opened back, ending his question, and A woman stepped forward. She was short and ugly -a Larten reminded Zula It puts in some respects even dirtier than Vancha. Not wearing shoes or clothes. Instead there were ropes wrapped around his body. Had pointed ears, a small nose, one brown eye and one green. It was as muscular as a man and even hairier one, from a fine beard and mustache to ten fingers very hairy feet. His hands were plump and short nails except the two little fingers, which were long and sharp. Larten thought this was a very strange choice of servant to a powerful witch as Lady Evanna (if it was true that it was her who came to know). He had assumed that would pretty and Evanna finely dressed maidens to serve. Maybe she had taken pity on this unfortunate creature had given him a home because nobody else would. Then, to the astonishment of Larten, small, ugly woman screamed, rushed forward and shouted, "My little Vancha" As the General was back in panic, she lifted him off his feet and tossed in the air like a large doll. "Put me down!" Vancha shouted furiously. "Not until you give me a kiss, naughty boy," she laughed. "I'll give a kick in the ..." "Language, Vancha," stopped him, clutching his ribs so hard his eyes seemed to burst. "My apologies ... Lady," he gasped, then quickly kissed her cheek before they suffocate. The woman smiled and dropped it, then bowed gracefully to Seba. "You are welcome as always, Lord Nile," he said in a soft voice and melodic.
"I appreciate this privilege, my Lady," Seba said, leaning as I would have done before a Prince. "You've brought a couple of assistants," she said, watching his eye Larten and brown to green to Wester eye. Both speechless before her. "This is Lar ..." Seba started to present them. "I know his name," interrupted the woman. "And I think they mine. Right, gentlemen? " "Evanna?" Gasped Wester, disbelief. "They expected someone more glamorous," Vancha said. "A lot of what you do," he smiled. "Perhaps this is what they had in mind," she glowed and changed shape. Now he was tall and slender, with long blond hair and features of angel, dressed in one flowing white dress. Larten stared at her, in love. She reached hand to caress her, but dropped it. He felt he had no right to touch someone so beautiful. "Very easily impressed," she clucked, and returned to his previous appearance. "You must not judge by what's on the outside. Only a fool falls for a pretty face. Are they stupid? " Larten was the first to speak this time. "For you, madam, would any thing, "he said softly, the words pouring from his mouth. Evanna raised an eyebrow and looked at him. But when blinked, confused for his icy stare, she realized she was not being cheeky. "I like this, Seba," she whispered. "It's not the vampire brighter than I He is known, but has a good heart. " "My two assistants have a good heart," Seba said. "But it is the heart of Larten which you expect to win? " Evanna laughed eagerly question. "You are here only a few minutes and you want to set me up with the vampire you have more at your fingertips. "She He brushed her cheek with affection and shook his head. "Do not ask me any favors yet, old friend. Let us simply enjoy our company for a time. I wonder what they have been doing, and how will life rest of the clan. " Taking his arm, she led the vampire in gray hair. After pause, they followed Larten and Wester. Vancha came last, after spend your palm with saliva again for your hair to leave hard and shiny. "If this does not impress you," he said smugly to himself, "I do not know what shall I do! "
Evanna was the daughter of Desmond Tiny. He had created thousands of years ago, mixing the blood of a vampire with a pregnant wolf. She was a powerful sorceress who could perform many magical spells. Without But the inhabitants of the night were more interested in a her particular skill. Vampires could not have children. So they had always been. To maintain It races alive, must make human. The clan always used to think It would be so, but Evanna had the power to beget the son of a vampire. Yes she wanted, could procreate with a vampire, and his descendants could also reproduced. The vampires had been courting Evanna for hundreds of years. Mr. Tiny had warned that she and her child would have the power to end the clan, but did not care about the risks. The ability to have a son was intoxicating. But Evanna had rejected all his proposals. She never had taken as a vampire couple or had given any sign that had intention. Although they had sought and had tried to win her heart, fighting in his name, giving gifts, making everything to make her his. All in vain. Larten secretly hoped captivate the legendary Lady of the Wild. He had his way with the ladies. Few had been able to resist, when he was a puppy, and I was sure she would fall for him as many others had done. If Evanna accepted it, he would become the founder of a new generation of vampires father and his power and fame They would be insured. "I would have put more fine clothes if I had known we were coming here," he whispered to Wester as they sat on a couch full of pillows. "Do not worry," smiled Wester. "If Vancha is your only opposition, you can fail. " Even though Wester had also dreamed of winning the hand famed Lady, now that he had seen the intention Larten eyes, pulled those thoughts from his mind. Always he left the way to his best friend. They had never fought for a woman or anything about what Larten he had set his eyes. Wester Larten thought as he and his brother totally loved the orange-haired vampire. He never tried to take Larten wanted things, even if he also craved.
The store looked bigger inside than out. There was a bed Plush in the middle, paintings hanging from the beams, statues located in all sides. Large candles were consumed slowly around bowls and jugs overflowing with fruits, vegetables, water and wine. There was no meat or fish, which he surprised Larten until he remembered the rumor that Evanna not eat anything that was not cultivated. Three young women took bowls and jugs to the vampires once they were seated. All were dressed in simple white shirts and beige pants. Larten had rarely seen a woman in slacks and gaze followed the maids. One which had long black hair and cunning gray eyes caught him staring and stared defiantly. He tried his famous smile, which made most women shaking them the legs but his eyes only deepened. Surprised and disturbed, Larten coughed and turned his head aside. Wester saw him and hid his smile. "First things first," Evanna said, lying on a couch and taking a grape of a tray. "How have you been my little Vancha? Tell all Mommy. " "Mommy?" Gasped Larten. "I wish you would not say things like that," Vancha grimaced. "Do not I called witch, right? " "And rightly so," Evanna snapped, his eyes shining. "I'll cut the tongue of anyone who calls me that. I am the most powerful sorceress, a priestess of the dark arts, mother of the future, and Lady of the Wild. You, however, will always be my sweet and tender Vancha. I still remember when you feed and how you eructabas when you finished. "She he laughed. "That has not changed." "Evanna found me when I was a baby," Vancha muttered to Larten and Wester. "My parents had been killed and I was left to die. She rescued me and took me with her for a few years before you surrender to ... someone else, "she finished vaguely. Evanna's smile faded. "You make it sound as if I had taken alone, "he said quietly. "As I remember it, lady, you did well," Vancha said, in a tone sharp in his voice that surprised the two younger vampires. Evanna Vancha stared for a second, then shook head and sighed. "A man should never turn your back on your ..." "Please!" Vancha interrupted. "Leave the past behind."
"The past is never far behind forever," Evanna murmured. "No We can hide from those whom we are united by the nature. But if you want to keep your stupid secret, so be it. You know only wish the best for you. " "And I'm grateful for that," Vancha said, his features softening. Then he spat and winked. "I just wish you would not treat me like a damn kid. " Evanna laughed. "When you have a few centuries in your account, I will considered an adult. Until that ... "She pinched his cheek. "By the bowels of Charna" Vancha roared. "You're going too far!" He He hurled against her and rolled together on the floor of the store. He was punched and kicked the witch, but she just laughed and throw cleanly. Upon landing, he pulled a star from his belt and hurled his head. Evanna Star caught the deadly air and calmly wiped the teeth with one of his spikes. "Still playing with shurikens?" He murmured. "I thought you would have found a new toy now." Vancha looked like was going to strike again, but eventually threw back head and laughed. "For all the gods of the vampires, you're a hard piece! Come, let's toast to absent friends and sing songs about old night. " "I'll drink with you at any time, darling," Evanna said. "And with your companions, too. "She snapped her fingers to her servants. "Milk Mr. March. "Then looked at the others. "Beer, I suppose?" "Yes!" Exclaimed Larten and Wester. "Why not?" Seba said with a smile. Barrels of the best beer I have tasted Larten were brought, and rest of the night was a blur since.
Chapter Eight Larten woke up in the afternoon with the throbbing headache. He was in a hammock, but he could not remember having gone to one. While incorporated, he saw that someone had painted a number of tattoos on her hands a charcoal or similar marker. He frowned, thought investigate, and then decided it was better not to know. Groaning, he made the way to a barrel of rainwater outside the shop, and he dipped his head. When he got up to take a breath, one of the assistants that -the Evanna had dark hair and gray eyes stood behind him, holding a bowl of something hot and steaming. "Take this," she said. "No beer, no?" Asked Larten, his face pale before thought. The assistant She smiled briefly looked cute when he was smiling and then He shook his head. "A remedy for my lady. You'll feel better then for I have taken it. " Larten had tried many hangover cures in the past, none of them had done much for him. But to be friendly, took the bowl-not woman more than a girl, seeing the light of day and took the half. The rest ended moments later and almost immediately his headache began to dissipate. "This is amazing," he exclaimed. "What it is?" "You give sick again if I told you," the girl laughed. He had a tooth He twisted, Larten noted, but a man could easily ignore a failure as this is to. "I do not think you told me your name," Larten said softly. "I think wrong," he said. "We actually did a song about it. Adorable Arra Sails, nectar of all evil, how I wish arponearte as a whaler harpooned a whale! † There was more, but, sadly, that it was the best course. " Larten grimaced. "I have the habit of insulting rhymes when I'm drunk. My apologies. " "No need. Your songs about my two sisters were worse. But they were almost as drunk as you, so I doubt they remember. " "Three sisters working for the same lady? That's unusual. "
In English rhyme.
"They're not my real sisters," Arra sighed, as if explaining something obvious to a fool. "It's just how Evanna concerns us. "He shrugged. "They are nice enough, although not think of them as friends. "Arra squinted to Larten and He pursed his lips. "You're a vampire, right?" "Yes," Larten said proudly. "Vampires do not deteriorate in direct sunlight?" "Not immediately. I start to burn if I stay outside, but It will not kill me until a couple of hours. Many of the myths are false or distortions of reality. " "Evanna not talk much about vampires, except to complain about as you chase her around like dogs. " Larten frowned at that but said nothing. He went inside but Arra blocked his path. "That over there is my shop." He nodded toward one of the three small shops located next to Evanna. "Otherwise You have urgent business to attend to, I would talk to you and learn vampire. " Larten raised an amused eyebrow. "When I say talking, I mean to speak, " Arra growled, reading his mind. "You tried to kiss me last night." "How did you respond?" Asked Larten. Arra smiled. "Let's just say the following verse of your song began with, Arra Sails dangerous, he has a terrible tongue " Larten chuckled, then went to his tent to Arra. Like Evanna was bigger than it looked from the outside, although it was Arra simply decorated and had little personal possessions. The pair He sat on the bed -Arra made sure I had a safe distance Larten between them and talked for a long time about his life, the family and the Vampire Mountain. Arra listened quietly interested in everything. It was only when he talked about when he interrupted flit. "My lady can flit too. And it can blow a gas that causes people faint, though rarely need to. Do you think that vampires Evanna inherited his magic or his father? " "Do you know Desmond Tiny?" Asked Larten. "No. But I have heard about it through visitors like you. " Larten had always assumed the magical talents of the clan, such as longevity, strength and speed. But now that he thought about it,
He realized that such gifts were mysterious. Do your talents supernatural evolved naturally or were the work of a more intrusive power? Larten made a mental note to ask Seba then, though I had the feeling that his teacher would not be able to answer that question. "Tell me about yourself," said Larten, changing the subject. "How did you end Evanna working for? Are you age you seem or are older than your mistress? " "Old?" Arra screamed, throwing a cushion. "Educate, vampire, or you I estacaré burning you out and leave you on the floor. " While Larten smiling, relaxed and told a little about where it came from, how he had run away from home in search of adventure and found Evanna. "Or I was found her, "Arra said suspiciously. "I have to feeling that sends for apprentices. We do not wander in his life, even though aparentemos do. " Evanna Arra had taught him a few spells, but she was used mostly as a servant, to comply with their guests lady and clean for them. She was not happy with that. She wanted to learn the secret world of Evanna and become a powerful sorceress. "It's not as if we needed it," Arra complained. "I've seen snap fingers and avert a full meal, or shake the hand to a room suddenly dirty and clean. She just likes to have servants to walk bossing. " "Why do not you leave?" Asked Larten. "I will," Arra said. "But I want to move to having another place go. I escaped without any direction once, when I left home, but better not I leave everything to chance a second time. " His eyes narrowed. He began to ask something Larten, but then someone whistled in the distance and she grimaced. "My wife loves me." "Would you like a dog whistle?" Larten smiled. "If you laugh, will poison your next drink," Arra growled, and then hurried to see what was Evanna wanted. Larten followed, still smiling. It was nice chatting with Arra. It was a little sharp thing, and more frowns than smiles came easily, but you Larten She liked. He hoped they could be friends, at least for a time, before leaving with Seba and Wester. After that he realized that It was unlikely to return to see the girl again rude aspect.
Chapter Nine They spent two nights with the Lady of the Wild. Other vampires They came to her while they were there. Most of the group was war the shadow of human warriors, but others came from much farther away, crossing oceans as Seba and their assistants. Some Cubs Larten and Wester recognized and greeted Larten by his nickname. He had not called him and found Mercury strangely disturbing. That part of his life had fallen behind and now I wanted to move on. Although he was friendly with the Cubs, no I wanted to renew those friendships. Evanna welcomed the most visitors openly, but sometimes Sheba and sent away his assistants to speak with a newcomer private. She seemed to know what each of your visitors prefer, and did best to meet your needs, but their pleas to accept as a couple. "We came to this country to meet Evanna, right?" Asked Wester Seba the third night, when they were resting on a nearby hill after falling on the camp of the soldiers for food. Seba nodded. "As sharp as ever, Mr. Flack. Evanna preferred that the clan leave her alone. You get tired of the endless proposals. But she knows how much we seek it, so she lets us be several nights occasionally to court. Privileged few are welcome in your home, too, but most must comply with these meetings. " "Where do you live?" Said Wester. Seba shook his head. "If she wants you to know, I will tell." "So we brought her here to see us, if you liked our faces? "asked Larten. "Yes." Seba rubbed his neck and sighed. "We believe that Evanna elect a some night companion, either a vampire or a vampaneze, but ... " "A vampaneze?" Barked Wester. "Is it related to them also?" "She knows all the creatures of the night," Seba said calmly. "Evanna no distinction between us. The vampaneze are so dear for her and us. He tries to keep us apart She moved to a new site soon, I think, where he will meet with our blood-cousins but if a vampaneze came here we should treat it with respect. " "I could not," growled Wester. "If I see any of that scum, I'll ..."
"... Do anything but wish him a good night," Seba said bluntly and there was a sharp tone in his voice that his aides rarely heard. "Yes Evanna angry, she will crush you. Never let you forget its glamor she is the daughter of Desmond Tiny. Respect your wishes when you are in your presence, Wester, or any word can save you. " Wester glared at his teacher. To relieve tension, you Larten Seba asked Evanna as I knew would be there. "She led me here," Seba said vaguely. "Those who Evanna just keep looking at your feet. I did not know we'd end up here When we go out. All she knew was that she would find where I would be found. " "And you really expect us to seduce her?" Pressed Larten. Seba chuckled. "I doubt if anyone ever seduce Evanna. But you made a good attempt, Larten. I did not know you were so gentle with give more. " "I'm usually more successful," he growled Larten bitterly. All your flattering words, his glances and his tricks had gone from over the witch. She had been kind to him and laughed at his jokes, but He never gave the slightest hint that he might consider it as a couple. "Do not be so hard on yourself," Seba said. "Many good vampires have been rejected before you, and many will be in the future too, I'm insurance. What was to say before the interruption of Wester, is that we believe that eventually pick a couple, but not we know what qualities you like, or even if you are looking for; maybe It is waiting for some time, or event. "Since we know very little of your heart, many of us we come to see her from time to time, and we bring our attendees when they are ready for this type of meeting. We continue to hope that one night she claims to one of us as his. But so far, we're out of luck. "What happens if you take a vampaneze?" Growled Wester. "We fear that more than anything," Seba said. "Evanna has the power to destroy the clan. If she chooses a vampaneze as a couple, their son certainly He will inherit some of his magical powers. Perhaps the dreaded Lord of the Vampaneze be the son of Evanna. " "So why do not we attack?" He hissed Wester. "Kill her or kidnap and make it do what we want? "
"If this nonsense continues, I'll whip up your meat falls off your spine, like the skin of a snake, "roared Seba. Wester blinked in surprise. The old vampire had never threatened any of them that way before. There had been many punches and kicks during those years, but never a savage, brutal promise. Sheba saw the pain in the eyes of his assistants. "Please understand," he said gently. "She's much stronger than any of us, all of us together. If the entire clan opposed him, we fall. " "Nobody can be so powerful," said doubtfully Larten. "Do not exaggerate," Seba insisted. "Their power is not of this world. There are myths about gods creating countries, raising mountains, waving seas. I do not know if those stories are true, but I think Evanna can do all that and more. So I do not hear more about you plotting against her. It It can be worse than any enemy, except for its meddlesome father. " Seba assistants looked into his eyes, trying to ensure that their word had reached them. He saw that he had created an impact and expected that would prevent future follies. "Now," he said, forcing a smile. "Let's go back, and do not say more about this. Only that if she lays eyes on you, do not worry about a long engagement! " Wester Larten and laughed weakly, and then followed Seba back the store, the three silent and immersed in his thoughts. The shop had been dismantled when they returned. The apprentices Evanna were standing behind a car, preparing sadly for push. There was no way that could fit inside the store -the carriage canvas itself would have required vagón- but was not Larten surprised. The Lady of the Wild could perform many wonders. "Time to go," Evanna said cheerfully. "I have had fewer visitors normal. The clan must be losing interest in me. " "Should you travel far, Lady?" Asked Seba, kissing her cheeks. "You know very well that I will greet my other nearby fans," he said Evanna. Seba smiled. "Yes, but I will not admit it." "Silly boys," snapped Evanna. "Why not leave their disputes behind and meet? Life would be much easier if they did. "
"It is not so simple," Seba sighed. "We are bound by wires destination. " "We are all bound by them," Evanna said in a hollow voice, sad look crossed his face. Then shook his head and rose to Vancha, who He had left behind while others hunted. "Goodbye, my little baby." "Let it go!" Roared aporreándole ears. She laughed and kissed his nose. As I struggled and threatened, she kissed him on the lips. His arms and legs relaxed and he smiled shyly when she down. Evanna turned to Wester and Larten. The witch was not fair as the first time I had seen, but did not notice Larten ugliness. "It was a pleasure to meet you," she said. "It was an honor, my lady," Wester said, bowing. "An honor," echoed Larten, then he knelt on one knee and took his dirty hand. "I would visit again at some point, if you can found in his heart to give me permission. " "It's daring, this," Evanna chuckled. He dropped his hand and Larten He caught her chin. He tilted his head back and looked down straight at him. For a moment, he thought his eyes had changed place was isn't state blue on the right side before - but then she spoke and he lost interest in such trivialities. "My home is my refuge from the world. There only invite a select group of my closest friends. Why Would a little vampire like you? " He had a feeling that if I gave the wrong answer, never again see the Lady of the Wild. Trying not to worry about that, He said shakily. "I'm good cleaning. If you ever wanted to take a bathroom could scrub your back. " Evanna blinked slowly. Larten could see torn between laughing and get the head. Fortunately for the young vampire, she chose to see the funny side of the proposal. "Sassy like a monkey," laughed Evanna, releasing the chin and Larten showing his contempt. "An odd choice of assistant, Seba, but I like. Yes, Larten Crepsley, you can visit me whenever the fancy takes you. " She pressed a finger to his forehead and he felt a deep ringing in their brain. "You will be able to find me whenever you want." Evanna nodded politely Wester, and though he could not suppress a twinge of jealousy, he smiled a genuine smile. This confirmed what
I had always thought; Larten was in some way superior to him, intended to great things. A Wester would have liked to be a major vampire, But the world also needed the supporting actors. I did not have I want to be more sense of what it was. He was happy to do the best with what is that life held for him. Then the witch was hunched in the distance, looking like a crazy woman who had escaped from the asylum. Arra Sails and other apprentices were after her, groaning as they pushed the car. Larten Arra looked and smiled sympathetically. "Well, gentlemen," said Seba as women left the view. "We have lost many years. It's back to business more urgent. Take your belongings and prepare for a rough ride. we'll go to The Vampire Mountain immediately. "
Part Three "It means respect."
Chapter Ten It was time for another Council in Vampire Mountain. The vampires traveling around the world to get together with old friends, challenge each other, discuss laws, tell stories and have a good time. Larten and Wester were occupied in advance, helping Halls Games room preparing for chaos Festival of the Dead. The pair had been permanently installed on the mountain by last two years. Both had spent their tests -five Initiation risky tests that all vampires were not just want to have a long time after they returned to Sheba. Larten proved itself many months before Wester, and he spent, but Wester almost fails. In his second test He faced two wild boars that had been injected with blood vampire. He managed to kill them, but one pierced him with its fangs before he died and had to work hard to complete his last three tests. Wester Seba had visited before his third round and asked if He had made peace with the gods of the vampires. Death was not anything be scared if one was ready for it. Wester had nodded soberly and said he could die without regrets if that was his destiny. Wester Larten had called shortly after and told him that his Master said. Then, in a muffled voice he said. "I lied. I want make a promise. Too much to ask, and understand if you refuse, but if I die, I want you to follow the track and Murlough kill me. " Larten almost made the promise even though the vampaneze had mercy on them when he was in his power to take their lives-but something about the Wester expression stopped him. Tests of Initiation were both mental and physical obstacles. If you lose your faith in you, you can be as fatal like losing an arm or a leg. "Mourlough is your enemy, not mine," he said coldly Larten. "If you die, I will not give chase in your name. I would not ask you upload to my enemies, and you should not ask. " Wester had been surprised and hurt, but accepted the decision Larten and sadly fought the rest of their testing, driven by its desire to survival and revenge for killing his family. The pair had been studying hard under the guidance of Sheba and the other since then, he is taking the first steps on the long road to General Vampire become. Much of his time was employed
learning combat complications. Even spent entire nights in the Playroom, being used to practice together, watched over by a guardian. Now, one of his tutors roared them to empty a drawer full of axes. "What are you waiting for? The Last Vampire arrived three hours ago. The Festival begins by putting the sun. Perhaps they are wanting to hunt axes, to a game about it? " "Sorry, Vanez!" Roared, hurrying even though they were already working fast. Blane Vanez glared at his assistants, and then left. He was in a unbearable attitude. It was his first time working in the Halls of Games Council. Normally the guards were responsible for those things, but were scarce this year so had volunteered for help. Now he regretted his offer. Both thinking and so worry. He was determined not to fall into this trap again. So Council soon as the end he would leave, and would ensure never be obligations trapped like this a second time. He belonged to the wild, Not locked inside a mountain! So busy and stressed as it was, he was eager for Larten Council. The last years were monotonous and exhausting. Although not He regretted his choice to return with Seba and pursue their studies, He missed the outside world, travel, nights of drinking, playing and flatter the ladies, the excitement of war. Larten was happy about was developing. Learning He improved quickly and fast. It was not the greatest of the vampires, but his speed and skills helped him get the best of most their opponents. Larten night of being beaten by the others had Gone. Still I was not really happy. He could not pinpoint the reason for his discontent. Just felt like I was back here before they finished with the world. He had no desire to be a Cub or running with a group of war, but felt he was missing something. Sometimes he thought about Vur Horston and plans had to Children explore every centimeter of the world. Although Larten had traveled in the widely world, he wanted to see more of him, to honor the memory of He lost his cousin. Obviously it would be able to do once became General-I could spend the rest of his life wandering if wantedbut Larten was impatient. He wanted to do everything and see everything now.
Still, he would not have to endure life in the mountains more. Every vampire was forced to undergo a degree of training if They wanted to become a General, but most of their lessons could be learned on the road. Seba lead to Larten and Wester far from here soon, perhaps at the end of the Council, and they could study a more relaxed air while they are traveling far and wide as they had done in the past. When they finished preparing axes, Larten and reported to Wester Vanez for instructions. Kept circling the Chambers and the tunnels for the next several hours, shouting even when working fast and efficiently. Larten was on the point of striking back when Vanez suddenly smiled. "They did well," he said. "Go get ready for the Festival. And please forgive me if I downloaded my frustrations on you. " "There is nothing to forgive," Larten smiled, then shared a glance Wester excited. They hurried toward the Hall of Perta Vin-Grahl for a quick swim, then to the cave Seba shared with five others, to put on their finest clothes and make sure they looked their best for the opening ceremony. The first hours of the Festival were as crazy as usual, vampires They are fighting as if the clan was on the point of extinction and not stay one to fight the next night. Bones were broken, limbs They were severed and four vampires made a premature trip to Paradise, with his applauding friends To die in combat was a noble way perecer-. Larten was carried away by the tide of fighting vampires-not had any point in trying to fight her but as soon as things They calmed down a bit was looking for an opponent in particular. Not Know Vampire name, only that he was tall and stocky, with a nose that he had been broken many times. The General was ridiculed when he beat Larten easily on a challenge the first time he had gone to the Council. Larten had I been wanting to face him again since. Larten was sometimes challenged in their pursuit of General, and had to -not answer all you had to ignore a challenge during the Festival- but finally he found his man standing near the bar in the room Oceen Pird, watching two things vampires trying rounded tip to topple each other. "You!" He shouted Larten, hitting the back of the vampire.
The General looked around and frowned. I not remember this young puppy, but something about his hair orange discovered a memory. "Fight me," Larten said. The vampire turned and smiled bitterly. Larten's heart sank General's right arm was missing from just below the shoulder. "Why the long face?" The General said, then gave a short glance at space where your arm should be. "Insurance this do not stop. Is just an injury. " "I ..." Larten hesitated. "... I do not want to fight with an invalid?" The General asked softly, with fire burning in his eyes. Larten stiffened. "I have no intention to offend with pity. I was just going to say I do not want to have an unfair advantage. So ... "He threw his right arm inside his shirt, tucking tightly. The General Larten looked stunned, then laughed. "There is always a first time! ‡ Come to me, then, young, and that the fate of the vampires this you. " Larten moved to the General and tried to grab his hand left. But he was not used to fighting with one hand. The General, who had years to adjust, he threw the younger vampire and the floor He crushed his legs. "One for me," smiled as Larten dust rose and shook, then he moved to shed his challenger twice in quick succession. Larten not imagine that the fight was so, but had planned to use both arms. As he rose for the third time, all he could do was laugh at the unexpected direction the battle had taken. Many years before, the General had humiliated and had Larten gone with contempt after defeat. But now I help the Vampire orange hair to stand and hugged him warmly. "I should have won easily, but you have earned my respect, young. I did not have to challenge me on my own terms. When do you tested you have courage and dignity, and something even more difficult ... style! Will fight again someday, when you have more practice with one arm, Yes? "
It refers to the first time you see something like
"Yes," Larten chuckled. They took a lot and talked of many things that night. The General told to Larten about some of the times that his nose was broken and Large vampires who had faced into challenges along the years. But he never mentioned his name, and if he did, Larten failed to notice. During the following years Larten practiced sometimes with an arm tied behind his back. But it was never to be tested against the General nose broken again, because he died soon after in a struggle Council against a panther. He was alone and his journey was not marked, but if someone It had been present, he would have seen her smile before her throat It has been ripped off. They would not have known why he was smiling, but it was fondly recalling the night when an assistant head Orange had challenged him to a wrestling with one arm in the Room Oceen Pird.
Chapter Eleven Night gave way to day and most vampires were to rest hours, or to care for their injuries. By late afternoon they gathered at the Glen Stahrvos huge room for the traditional contest howls. To signal Creek vampires howled hard and tried to hold it. Which achieved howl the longest would be rewarded with the title "The Howling" by next twelve years. Larten not achieved particularly impressive howl and left the competition soon. But he knew two vampires were among the last three. One was the former Cub, Yebba, who seemed to have grown even more since the last time I had seen Larten. The other was a known less family, Mika Ver Leth. Larten was surprised to see Mika-dressed in black, as always between the final trio. Normally howlers were bulky and successful high, like Yebba but Mika was a thin average height. Without But he was holding against the other. Larten he encouraged by Yebba their friendship, but secretly hoped that Mika will take the honors; he I had always had a soft spot for the underdog. Yebba suddenly stopped, choking and frowned, disgusted himself. Mika and the other General continued for another minute, with strained vocal cords, and tears streaming from his eyes. Mika was problems, his voice wavered, but then collapsed the other vampires without any warning and it was over. There was a standing ovation and was surrounded by Mika willing to General providing on their behalf and be the first to challenge him to a battle. Larten it He crossed later that night and called Mika Howler. "It sounds strange," Mika said, with a rare and thin smile. "Were you surprised to win?" Asked Larten. "No," Mika said. "I practiced the entire previous decade. I took lessons a human tenor singing and he taught me how to extend a note. " Larten frowned. "Why? Surely not mean much to you. " "It means respect," Mika said seriously. "I hope to be a prince one night and want to be invested sooner rather than later. As trivial as this contest, pointed out to me, and that's important. " The General Larten ambitious amused. Most vampires were not politicians did not care about power games. Mika was more like a human in that regard. But the clan was changing. The world was
becoming more hostile as humans were becoming more and They are claiming more territory. Vampires should have a profile even less noticeable than before if they wanted to survive. That meant bringing in a clan new address. Needed more imaginative young leaders. Years before Mika would not have got very far with his desire to be a Prince, but Larten He believed he could thrive with the current climate. She wished him luck in his Mika actual search, though it was not a goal to which he personally aspire. But Mika was not the only earning the respect of the Council. Though not aware of that, Larten had drawn the attention of many of its peers and was beginning to make a name for himself. The clan He approved of the way he had faced the one-armed General and though he had lost the battle, he had won most these challenges, defeating a series of major vampires and more experienced. Paris Skyle heard of the success of the young and sought out his friend Seba to congratulate him. "Credit is not mine," Seba said with a smile, looking aside as Wester struggled with a vampire who had been converted only a couple of years back. "Larten is driven by an inner passion. I've helped, I hope, but he can not be molded, only guided. " "He could get very far, according to rumors," Paris muttered. Seba sighed. "Is that so important? If you live a good life and is faithful to itself same, would not it be enough? " "My words hurt you," Paris said surprised. "Forgive me." "No need to apologize, sir," Seba said. "I've heard others talk Larten very well, but I have noticed merits really did not see years back, even when I met him when he was a child. I always knew he will scale higher, if you choose to climb. " Paris frowned. "You hope you do not." Sheba grimaced. "Larten could be a great General, maybe even a Prince. I would be happy if that was their goal and achieved. But it would be just as happy if he decides to live a clean and honest life. I have no desire being a mentor of princes. I just hope that those I matter to be happy. " "Are you worried about what to do with it?" Asked Paris, recalling the when it offered the opportunity Seba become a Prince. "Do you think he would not adapt to a position of authority?"
Seba shrugged. "Do I believe it? No. Do you fear him? Yes. If my fears baseless or not, I can not say. It is much like it was me that age. Maybe I see defects that are not there, reflections of my own weaknesses. Time will tell. Either way, no sense worrying for the future. It could break the back tonight and would be the end of it. " "The gods and the gods give away," agreed Paris. Before them, Wester finally able to rival and the couple went drinking the health of the other. Wester was radiant; he had not enjoyed too many victories. Seba was happy for him. She worried about Wester too, but he felt his weaker assistant find its way before Larten, and take it easier. Larten suspected yet He understands their true desires, and there was nothing more difficult than pursuing a Sleep when you did not know what it was. As if reading the thoughts of his friend, Paris said, "Did you tell your good news? " "No. I wanted to wait until after the completion ceremony. " "You think I want to stay with you?" "Wester, yes. Larten ... do not know. "Slowly, he added," I hope not. " "Come on!" Thundered Paris, taking his friend's arm. "I darkened your mood. Let me clarify again with a glass of wine. " "Wine?" Seba smiled. "I thought you only drank beer during the Advice. " Paris winked. "Beer is for the young and less sophisticated palates, but the grape juice is for veterans like us, right? " "Right," Seba chuckled, and went to try to drown their concerns with the Prince. Young clan started from Vampire Mountain a few nights after the completion ceremony, once their heads cleared and could stand without wobbling. It was an exodus to nothing dramatic. Most do not even bother to say goodbye to their friends, especially the older vampires, since it was not his custom. They just went, some in specific directions, others roamed where his feet taken away. Wester Larten and helped clean the inside of the corridors and tunnels. It was a gigantic task even more complicated preparations above. But it was in a more relaxed way and did their jobs so cheerful. Even Vanez Blane was relaxed now, often stopping to
joking with the couple and tell them not to work so hard. He had forgotten the prior to the Council stress and was considering offering its services again in the future. Seba let the dust settle before calling his assistants to a meeting in the Hall of Khledon Lurt. Over a bowl of broth bat He told them about his exciting offer. "The princes have asked me to become the Mayor of the Vampire Mountain. I accepted. " Wester had expected the announcement, he had heard rumors during the festival, but Larten was taken by surprise. "Mayor?" He frowned, pushing his plate away. "I think that You longed no power. " "It wanted to be a prince," Seba corrected. "Mayor is a proposed very different. I do not want to exert any real authority. In theory would only be responsible for looking after and maintaining supplies clean rooms. But as you know, actually the mayor has much to say at all what happens in Vampire Mountain, not only the Councils but the other times too. The princes and generals come and go according to needs, but the mayor is present all the time. I'll have the task of approving all guardians and guards, determine how and why they are She teaches students. I have willing ears of all the princes the ear, in the case of Paris Skyle- and they listen attentively my opinions. " "They do it anyway," said Larten. "Maybe," Seba smiled. "But it's a different situation now. I could not order as I can when Mayor, if I became Prince. But long live the gods-and seem unwilling to take, to Even though I'm old and tired I will be able to exert strong influence for many decades. I can be a link between the old ways and new. I think the clan needs someone like that now. " Seba studied his assistants, waiting for their reactions. As he had suspected, Wester responded enthusiastically. "Congratulations, Maestro. You deserve this and I think it will be a great merit for the clan. " Larten was not sure what to say. Already he had an idea of what that It meant to him and was questioning which way to go now I had reached a crossroads in his unexpected way.
"Yes," murmured Larten. "Congratulations. May the luck of the vampires is you. " Seba nodded, then said as lightly as I can, "What will they do you two now? I do not expect them to stay. I imagine they'll want to go out and ... " "No!" Said Wester. "I'll stay. I have still much to learn and no one can teach me better than you. " "Are you sure?" He asked Seba, ignoring the compliment. "They are going to spend twenty or thirty years before you can become General. It is long time for a young vampire to be enclosed within a mountain. " "I do not care," Wester said stubbornly. "I'm staying. You so you do, right Larten? "There was a faint, desperate threat Wester's voice. He was trying to sound casual, but I knew Larten he was anxious to leave. He did not want to be forced to choose between her best friend and mentor. Larten not respond immediately. He frowned as he considered their actions. Seba advise Larten wanted to be outside, but He felt it would be a mistake to try to influence the undecided wizard, so which held his tongue. "Stay," hissed Wester. "This place is not so bad. You should look a new Master if you left. " "Many might accept," Seba whispered, pleading only Wester counter was exerting pressure. "You have caused good impression on the Council and you could choose a tutor, perhaps even Paris Skyle or some other prince. " Larten eyes narrowed. Princes trained only those with great potential, vampires who could become powerful General and replaced over time. It was the first inkling I had of the Salle des Princes could be opened for him in the future. Mika Ver Leth He would have jumped by chance, but was not Larten Mika Ver Leth and he did not I was hungry for power. However, it was tempting ... Wester Larten looked and saw hope and fear in the eyes of his blood brother. It was ridiculous. The couple was in his sixties. They would be grandparents with at least one foot in the grave if they had not been converted. The men of his age should have passed long ago the need a best friend.
But they were young as measured by vampires, and there were separate from that faced Murlough in the ruins of the old house. The pair had spent a lot together, develop, train, bear the war groups. Larten be alone if separated, but would be more difficult for Wester. In the long run it would be better for him; Wester considered himself as a younger brother and probably you need some time away from Larten to grow. But soon, it would hurt. Larten tried to distance himself from feelings of Wester, to decide what he wanted. But it was difficult. He believed mistakenly that would Seba disappointed if he left. The old vampire would think that Larten expected learn more about a new Master. He should have realized -Seba He had made it clear on several occasions that eventually his assistants They need to establish their own lives but his thoughts were mixed. Larten finally sighed and went for the easy option. "I will stay," he said with sadness. Wester applauded and hugged him. Seba smiled, but inside was disturbed. When he retired to his coffin the following morning was awake for a long, full of a sense of unease, wondering if I should have spoken before leaving Larten do what he thought would be a potentially harmful call.
Chapter Twelve The next few years were difficult for Larten. Train to be a General was difficult for any vampire. For starters, I had to handle variety of weapons, even if it were not to use most of them. Larten looked forward to his lessons with knives and axes, but there were other like the throwing stars with Vancha it was favored and others Group pointy-the-four-pointed-he detested. There was no such thing as an easy class. It was shot down all the time and was forced to defend in the face of a very real attack guardian. Larten spent many weeks tending their broken bones and concussions suffered so often that regularly could not sleep by the ringing in your ears. What were particularly depressing was that it was Wester easily progress. His young friend suffered a range of injuries, like any other apprentice, but they were not nearly as of Larten. And it not seems to matter how hard you work assistant hair orange ... always got more painful wounds Wester or others in your group. What Larten not know was that their guardians were working with him more harder than the rest. It was not a conspiracy, but simply the way in which they came. When the masters of Vampire Mountain someone trained with skills far exceeding gave him tasks especially stringent. Vampires were relentless. They had no time for weakness and They eliminated those that would not be beneficial for the clan. This was widely known. But many of the trainees were not aware that their teachers were tougher on those who have the potential to become leaders. If a tutor believed his student was talented, He pushed the young man to the limit, to seize or exhaust their potential. Yes Larten was ongoing and proved himself worthy of the challenges that gave, you could find itself your way to success. But if your guardians broke their spirit and failed, consider that the clan had get rid of him. Always he is demanding more from those with more to offer. Seba had no time to comfort or reassure his assistant. The work as mayor was more demanding than I had imagined and early years were a frantic period of adjustment. There were so many details in which he had to think, from bright lichen growing in tunnels
where the brightness had almost died, maintain the stock of live animals, ensure that the coffins were clean for visitors to dealing with strangers Guardians of the Blood. When Larten was injured and could not train, sometimes attending Seba. It was while helping his teacher learned about the Guardians. I had always assumed that the blood in Vampire Mountain was sent and stored in warehouses, but now he had learned that the Most came from human tribes living in the bowels of the mountain. The Guardians were pale and strange creatures. In exchange for their blood, They cared certain details of the funeral when a vampire die, drawing organs and brain of each of the bodies, leaving the body dry. Many vampires chose to be thrown into a mountain stream when they died. If their bodies were not thoroughly cleaned, the animals eat their bodies and go crazy. A Larten Guardians did not like-they had a sullen air and rarely hablaban- but they responded if they wanted to learn all I could about clan and its operation, so that as dispassionately studied as he could. Memorize facts about the clan was also part of their training. Are He hoped that vampires were familiar with their stories, learned the names of their past leaders, to be able to recite legends of their gods. Most vampires were illiterate. The books were for humans, not for the children of the night. His story was remembered in myths and legends passed from mouth to mouth, and all had to help maintain it. If a disease or war erased the Most of the clan, the few remaining could at least maintain their origins, achievements and myths alive. Larten learned much about his race. Those were the nights more He looked forward, when he and the other apprentices sat and They listen to their elders tell stories about the past or sing old songs. He had a keen mind and was able to remember most of what he heard. Wester was even more sly and not stored details Larten He could hold, but his friend had always been mentally sharper and that Larten unconcerned left behind in that specialty. Wester was more interested in stories about the vampaneze. Many General would have happily ignored the other group, but the war it would blow then it was a crucial part of their heritage, so that,
Reluctantly, they discussed the reasons behind the separation and what the other creatures of the night had been doing since. Wester wanted to know everything he could about the vampaneze, and never He seemed satisfied with what the General told him. He started intercept vampires in the chambers and tunnels, asking questions and learning more about their enemies. He fell into a group of "haters" § of vampaneze. Each thought traitors purple skin They should be hunted to extinction. They respected the rules of the Princes -that was out of discussion-but made plans to sneak, keeping abreast of the movements of the vampaneze and activities, if its leaders decided to start another war. Wester Larten tried to involve in its new network of friends. He invited Larten meetings and urged him to listen to stories about the atrocities of vampaneze. Since Larten thought Wester as a brother, He met with the moody vampire and listened quietly as vampaneze told wild stories of drinking the blood of babies and They are heading to the royals and politicians in human society. According to rumors, they were establishing contacts around world, gathering an army of humans to support them in an attack Vampire Mountain. "We will kill us all if we do not achieve first!" Was the common cry meetings. Larten rejected such speculation and Wester urged to do the same. "They are crazy, all of them," he argued. Then, before I could Wester refute, he said, "No, not all. Some speak accurately, those who simply they report what the vampaneze do and where they travel. But those stories about armies and master plans ... "he snorted. "The vampaneze They do not feel nothing but contempt for humans. See humanity as won to drain and discard. One of the reasons is They separated us was for our indulgence. They tease us not kill when we eat. To suggest that they are working on association with humans is a lie, and one that can be easily exposed. Ask the conspirators. Vampaneze always tell the truth. Ask them if they conspire against us. Respond honestly ... and they say no. "
Haters, in the original.
"Do not tell me you think that old story," Wester scoffed. "By Of course they are lying. They just want us to think they do not. " Larten noticed Wester never agree with him on this issue. To avoid arguments and perhaps a fight-and Wester was very energetic on that asunto- left to mingle with the dissidents. Whenever the Wester invited to a meeting, Larten created an excuse not to go. Soon Wester He acknowledged the wishes of his friend and Larten cut to that part of his life. He cut his teacher also, knowing in his heart that was but Seba disgust towards those who had separated from the clan, never urge a War against them. The old vampire should welcome a war if it came to pass, but never try to cause or approve of those who they did. Seba would worry if he saw the vampires with whom he had Wester wrapped. Perhaps you have urged his impulsive pupil to stay outside such complex and dangerous issues. But the mayor still was adjusting to his new position and had little time to concentrate on their attendees. Kept reports on their evolution, but beyond that the He entrusted to the professional hands of their guardians. When Seba He stabilized at work and was able to pay more attention to their positions, Wester had learned not to talk about their feelings but with them they felt the same way he did. Larten you could have told Seba what was happening, but not he thought it was important. Wester and their allies respected the rules of the Princes, no doubt about that, so he did not see a real threat in their angry murmurs. While the leaders kept the vampires truce, dissidents like Wester could do nothing to cause problems. They were tied to their sense of obligation, like all vampires. The worst would be to march to die in the desert, as Perta Vin-Grahl and his followers had done it once. But Larten was sure that would not come to that. Simply They were pouring out, all talk and fanfarroneadas. Nothing could leave her alarmism. They needed the backing of a Prince to continue with its plans war, but what vampire senior support an insane and bloodthirsty Because like yours?
Chapter Thirteen The mood was darkening Larten. His disappointment grew every night I had begun to hate his training, Vampire Mountain and General hierarchy and Princes. All that seemed pointless. What they could achieve, apart from the world, without interfering with humans, sitting in the shadows and controlling night? Had been waiting for the Council There was spent many hours practicing fighting with one arm during the months leading up to it, anticipating his rematch with the General broken nose but even that was disappointing. He enjoyed the fights and games, but all vampires They had disturbing stories. Mankind was making great industrial developments. The cities were growing at a dizzying pace. The men were dominating the planet even more than before. The Vampires should withdraw to deep jungles to move freely. There was an air of crisis in the Council. Two new Princes were elected, but the clan felt like a crossroads and no one knew path to choose. There was no sense of direction among the leaders; Princes they showed split when responding to changes in the world. Sheba had seen this kind of indecision before, which is not alarmed, confident that time would pave wrinkles, and vampires They adapt as they had always done. But it looked like Larten a breakdown of the clan, and as he was wasting his time training to be a member of an ancient order. Larten while stirring, Wester had found a new vocation He had completely focused on her. After a talk with Seba, was I had realized that the life of a General was not for him. What he He was enjoying life in Vampire Mountain. He abandoned his training, and instead he began studying to become a guard. While not they were as respected as General-no guard had reached Prince, was becoming an important position and was happy Larten his friend. Wester suspected could be a great guard and a night Seba could replace as mayor. I was happy that Wester I had chosen the right path and go forward. But that also made him more insecure about their own way. I could not say with complete honesty that still wanted to be a General. He had had question before the Council, which increased later. I was doing this simply because they would be happy to Seba? I had no idea what he would do if
left, was the uncertainty about his future the only reason still he is studying? In the months and years after the Council unhappiness deepened. The joy seeped out of his life and escaped his training means, without joy of their successes and learn nothing from their failures. Seba saw sadness to the young vampire had succumbed. Seba had more time for their Attendees now, but Larten was distant around him. Seba tried talk to him about his depression but had rejected all Larten advances. Seba desperately wanted to help his assistant with their problems. He should do something to bring a smile to the face of Larten. But no I could. Larten should take the first step. The change was essential, but only General training had the power to take her life by the throat and shake. Then one night, thanks to a group of dead vampires did. The Guardians of the Blood Seba informed of the problem by sending a pair of pale members to track. Seba had noticed the -the most vampires stench had caught a whiff of him but there had been similar cases in the past and each time the problem had solved itself. However, the Guardians had said that this time it was different. They had to fix it. Seba convened a team and found in Hall the last trip, small cave with a stream flowing through it. That's where many vampires for centuries had chosen to be discarded when They died. The current dragged their bodies through the hidden tunnels in the mountains, then he took them out into the world and far away. Custom had been disappearing-the cremation was the most popular trend today-but some of the older vampires still preferred the traditional method. "I hope you can smell it," Seba said cheerfully when his team He was in place. He breathed deeply the putrid air and smiled like perfume baby. "I thought it was Goulder," someone laughed. "Shut your mouth or shut for you," he snapped a vampire named Patrick Goulder. Larten and the others hid their smiles. Patrick had a problem with your smell, but it was not nearly as bad as this.
"There are bodies trapped in the tunnel," Seba said. "It's not the first time It occurs. Usually, when the water rises in winter, it takes them. Without But the Guardians have told me that will not happen this time. We have to go and release them. " The vampire frowned and looked at a few Larten with raised eyebrows. As the assistant Seba, it was his duty to ask the question that haunted all their minds. "Is certainly a job for the Guardians," Larten muttered. "They They are in charge of burials. " "No," Seba said. "We're in charge. We let them take control certain details, as it suits our needs. But this is our problem, not theirs. Come on, "laughed, trying to raise their spirits. "It's not so bad. I will bring pins to their noses and bind it with ropes make sure that none of you fall. The water is colder than Room Perta Vin-Grahl. Our chefs have prepared a good broth when we return. It will be an adventure! " "You come down through that tunnel, Seba?" One asked. "I'd love to," Seba sighed. "But my back ..." He grimaced and He grabbed the sides like an old woman. Vampires laughed and began to tie themselves. Some Seba remained to hold the strings and raise the other if the current It was too strong. But Larten was one of those responsible for release tunnel. Larten shuddered as he launched into water current quick. It was cold in part, but mostly it was a strange feeling Funeral look inside the tunnel. Larten I never expected to go through this live opening. It was a journey that only the dead were intended to take. He felt bad, as if he and the others were invading, going to a place where they were unwelcome. "I know it's hard," Seba said seriously. "But they have nothing to fear. No ghosts. All vampires have been here had good reputation. Their souls went straight to heaven when they died. " The equipment in the water doubted despite assurances Seba, watching dreadful hole in the dark. Then Larten, knowing that knew Seba they expect from him, he applauded loudly. "Move it, all at once!" He shouted to vampires before him. "The sooner we get this over with before
We will be in the Hall of Khledon Lurt, warming up with a bowl of broth and a pitcher of beer. " Vampires cheered and those who were later-they had divided into two teams, one on each side- released their grip and let the current take them inside the cave, in the dark. Each team had a torchbearer, but this was on the part of back. So when Larten entered the tunnel, he endured one minute almost total darkness. Solitary spirits around him and almost had imagined afraid of what the torches revealed. But as Seba said, not there were ghosts there. When the bearers of the torch finally illuminated the area, Larten saw nothing but rocks and water. Offering a quick prayer to the gods, she moved in search of obstruction. The smell worsened as they advanced and plugs his nose not They helped too. The air seemed to thicken around and sneak through your pores. A couple of vampires choked and sickened. The teams They stopped to let the vomit floated before them. Larten could feel the noise in your stomach, but he managed to keep food inside. Advanced along the tunnel, the team maintaining the cave strict control over them. Nobody knew what to expect. If the floor suddenly opened into an underground waterfall, the strings did not want others were swept. While vampires were tunnel impatient, Seba made sure that the team maintain a cave firm grip on the ropes and let go slowly. Larten had no idea if he had been in the cave ten minutes or an hour. All I knew was that It seemed an eternity. Eventually they came to where the bodies were piled, and was much worse than they imagined. Larten tried to count the bodies but was impossible. I was completely crushed, a wall of bones and flesh rotten. Some were skeletons-that had been building for a few years but most were a lot of skin and hair. Larten I probably could have recognized any if any looked at close. He did not. Nauseous and pale face, approached the wall dead. One of the vampires yelled forward and had to be relieved. Clinging to
rope, he slipped away to the safety of the cave. Larten should have in contempt, but all she felt was envy. I wanted to continue to coward, and he took all his willpower not to. Larten looked sickly as two vampires later extended hand and pushed the obstruction. If luck was with the group, the pair of later release the bodies and the rest never need to touch them. But the luck of the vampires was little that night. Wall bones trembled, but did not budge. With a sigh, Larten and other advanced until they were within walking distance of the stinking bodies. Patrick Goulder raised his fist and pounded the bones in front, trying to open a gap. "Stop!" Roared Larten. When Patrick looked, Larten growled, "They They're dead, but they are still children of the clan, who fought General bravely and they deserve our respect. Not break their bones less everything else fails. We will try to make a lever to remove them Carefully, keeping their bodies intact. " Patrick snorted. "Do you think it makes a difference? They will be torn out by animals, anyway. " "What happens outside is not our thing," Larten said. "What happens in the mountain it is. " Patrick rolled his eyes but did not argue. Since there Larten spoken and taken over, it was up to him to make the first attempt to mound of bodies. Swallowing, he came forward, ran her fingers over Skeletons, he located one's shoulders and pulled gently. When nothing happened, pulled harder. Finally, the top half was released but so did a mess of bodies that remained bat caught between the bones. They shot through a hole not Larten He had been driven by a broken bone, and splashed his face. Larten screamed and fell back down, pulling the skeleton with him. For moment of sheer panic he was underwater, the bones of the dead they pushed him down. In his fear he thought the vampire was back to life and was trying to kill him. He attacked the skeleton, savoring the entrails of dead bats. He tried to spit, but water He led many of those nasty organ to her throat. While Larten had arcades, hands gripped her arms and lifted him.
He cried when he reached the surface, wide-eyed. Pin He had fallen from the nose and the smell hit him harder than ever. He threw another Once, he threw the entire contents of your stomach. "Will you come back?" Asked Patrick Goulder. Larten wanted back more than anything. But that would be a sign of weakness and did not want to lose face in front of others. "Just give me a minute," she gasped, wiping his lips and leaving his heart calm. When the trembling of his hands disappeared, he joined the rest of the team and went to work with the bodies again. They spent most of the next hour in cold and humid confines Tunnel, releasing bones and limbs, intertwined collecting bones, loosening the knot of bodies. It was hard work and horrible, and they did in silence. Each of them knew he would never discuss this later. This was not a dirty job then would laugh. This was a horrible task and do haunt for many weeks and months to come. No amount of beer that could weaken this unpleasant memory. Larten had the horrible suspicion that he might even take it to the grave.
Chapter Fourteen When the group in the tunnel returned solemnly and seriously, nobody tried to lighten the mood. Seba and vampires with ropes could see the horror in the eyes of those who dragged. Wordlessly they covered the group soaked blankets and took them to where broth, bread and beer They were waiting in abundance. Larten ate mechanically, filling the emptiness of his stomach with unfocused eyes. I was thinking about the bodies, imagining as one of them. Vampires lived for hundreds of years. Most rarely They thought in time as did the humans, and they had a lot of him to occupy. Death was a remote and distant thing for the poor children of the night. But the bodies in the tunnel reminded Larten mortality. No no guarantee that were to live to be as old as Seba. Perhaps the fate would kill young. If he did, I wanted to be able to say that I really had lived, he had not only trudged like a turtle in the shell of Vampire Mountain. Larten not even touched his beer. In the back of his head and he had made his decision, and although he had not yet given consciously account, some of it made sure he kept a clear head. When act, that party wanted sober, so there was no doubt that He intended to do what he would do. It was half a second bowl of soup when he pushed aside and he stood. The others looked at her, but said nothing. It was not the first to leave the table abruptly. They assumed it was because He had broken down. But they were wrong. Larten was in straight line Seba cave. The mayor had his own room on the mountain. He had offered to share with assistants, but they refused. Seba was now a vampire high importance and had a right to privacy. Wester was with his teacher, discussing an issue that had to do with his training. Larten was grateful that only have -significaba to go through it once-. It was only years later when asked if Sheba had read the intent in his eyes when he was dragged out of tunnel, even before he knew it, and had called Wester with an excuse to make things easier for Larten.
If Seba He knew Larten what was going to say, well hidden knowledge. Not There was nothing in his expression rather than mild curiosity when Larten entered. "May I help you?" He asked kindly. "I'm going," Larten said. Wester looked at him strangely. I knew nothing about locking Tunnel or so Larten happened. But Seba knew what his assistant meant and nodded gently. "Very good." Larten frowned. "You do not understand. I'm abandoning my studies. I do not want to be a General. I'm sick of this place. Me I will. " "No!" Gasped Wester. "I do not mean that. What happened? Why you ...? " "I understand perfectly," Seba interrupted. "I never asked you sticking and not held you against your will. You're not a puppy. You are a man of wisdom and experience. I'm honored that Wester you keep calling me master, but in reality no one is your master now, nor it will again. If you want to leave, you can do it with my blessings. " Larten had not expected this. In a strange way it felt I cheated. Seba wanted was hurt, he tried to convince to stay. It was childish -humano- but in her heart yearned attention. This was a decision of great importance and needed an argument for disfiguring. Involuntarily, Wester gave Larten what it needed. "You can not it go," he snorted. "This is crazy. Seba told me that almost You completed your training. " "I also asked you to keep that information to yourself," snapped Seba, eyes glinting in a strange spark of anger. "Is that true?" Asked Larten, momentarily stunned. He thought it was five or ten years to become General, assuming that happen all tests. "You impressed some of your peers," Seba inhaled, yet glaring at Wester. "There was a talk about graduating in the future close. But after this exhibition, I doubt it. A General must know your mind completely. Obviously, you do not. " "I do it damn well," growled Larten, finding his fury again. "I want to go out. I do not want to be a General. They're all oldfashion. " "Larten!" Shouted Wester, alarmed by this heinous attack and unusual.
Larten laughed bitterly. "All vampires should pursue their dreams, live life to the fullest, seeking a glorious and violent death. Not should be locked up here, training. Are we students or men? ¿Human or vampire? " Before he could answer Wester, Larten continued. "They were fenced to General Devil, the Prince and the rest. Life is too short. I want to live, fight, love, death. Not spend my time studying. " "What's stopping you?" Thundered Seba. He had been sitting, but now He rose and faced Larten. Her cheeks were flushed. "If you get upset, go immediately. Do not even stop to pack your belongings, You can continue without them. I never tried to get between you and your dreams. " He invested with much sarcasm in the word as it was possible. "Very well," Larten roared. "I will." And with that he left the room as thrombus. Wester cried and was Larten behind, but Seba grabbed him as the young man tried to pass. "No," Seba said quietly. "Leave." "But we can not let that fence so!" Exclaimed Wester. "It can not think clearly. He regrets when he calms down. You want to apologize. We have to let you know ... " "I was being more himself in that explosion than it has been in many years, "Seba, then chuckled he said. Wester was astonished to see her teacher she is smiling. "Larten needs to go," Seba said, sitting back and narrowing her eyes. I was imagining the way that the young vampire would, tunnels by which it would hasten the thoughts that must have been bumping inside your head. I was hoping to stay firm in Larten their convictions. It would be disastrous if I were now. "Master ... I do not understand ... and you do not like Larten?" "Pleasing?" Seba's features softened. "I love him, you idiot, both I love you as you. They are like children to me, as I have already said. But all children must put his father considerations aside, eventually. You did that when you chose to train to be a guard, you made a choice and you become your own man. Larten is doing same. " "But he was in such a horrible way. Maybe I should call him and ... " "By the gods!" He cried Sheba. "You're smarter than that, Wester Flack, so do not act like a fool. I know I'll miss a Larten I too
Hare but it is time for him to seek his own path. If you interfere Now, you probably destroy. This has been a difficult decision for him. Yes back and had to make that choice again, I'm not sure I can. " "But ..." Wester stared at his teacher. "What if I go with him?" "You have the same right to go as we have it," Seba said wisely. Then he smiled. "But you will not. Your place is here, you know. We must let it go. If the luck of the vampires is with him, he will return when ready. But now you must walk their own path, or at least try I find it. " Wester nodded slowly, then looked at the door. "I fear for it. He does not know what you want. It will get into trouble. " "Probably," Seba said sadly. "But he is strong and I think You find its way in the end. If I'm wrong ... "Seba sighed and pressed the middle finger of his left hand on his forehead. Keeping eyes open, he covered them with his index and ring finger, leaving your thumb and little to the side. "Even in death he will triumph." Then Seba away thoughts of his assistant to his head and He concentrated on his duties, leaving the unknown Larten Crepsley jobs that fate in store for him.
Chapter Fifteen The following years of the life of Larten Crepsley were wild and free concerns. Larten flitting quickly to get away from all that I had come to hate, even though it is not supposed vampires they could flit on the way to or from the mountain. The act of rebellion It was his way to show how little he cared clan rules. He knew it was a small gesture, but that did not stop. He traveled throughout the world at a frenetic pace, traveling freely, spending much time in boats, vehicles, including trains. It was his first time in one of the iron horses. The rocking motion as He made her feel sick at first, but was adapted after a while, though he never left his opinion that went far faster than I needed any land vehicle. For years he avoided contact with other vampires, moving from town or city to another, mixing with men and ladies lax principles of easy virtue, as they were going out at night. He stole large amounts of money, and spent it freely. He bet big, backing many nonsense, high-risk companies for the sport, and even had its Boxing own stadium and cockfights. Larten had tried things that even when he was a puppy He tried, things that no sane person would do. He treated his body disrespectfully, interested only in how far they could go. There were several nights when he could not get up, lying in a dark room, shaking like a rabid rat, waiting for death to take him out of his misery. If it had been a lesser vampire, surely he would have died. But their years of hard lessons they had tanned. It could take more punishment than the Most go further, longer. No matter how many nights were subjected crazy, always he ended up back. Eventually he calmed down and stopped the worst of the madness behind. He had tried almost all the pleasures of human nightlife and was bored with them. Not He became friends in those years of bad life, but many came to his side and cronies, men and women eager to spend money acabarsele he did not seem to go wild partying with him and try to match his wild appetites. They commended Larten and talked about their love and respect for him, but I knew they were lost, they were low creatures, writhing
for the benefits it could offer someone in a state worse than the from them. Simply left overnight parasites, in the same way that He had left the clan. They were much easier to leave in the past that Seba or Wester. These people really did not care about it, only by the perverse pleasures that took their lives. They were vermin and vultures. No thought was better than them, but I hoped to be. Mercy, they threw money cash I had and left them as they fought over it. He tried to run with the Cubs again. There was a huge hole in your life that needed to be filled. He craved the company and emotion. I did not want to waking every night by himself, bored and lonely, desperate kill time. He needed a purpose and thought the Cubs That could bring at least a while. But back to the groups of war was a mistake. All vampires I had met had moved or died. Their replacements given Larten welcome the pack, but he felt uncomfortable around him. I could not be as enthusiastic about drinking, women and games randomly. He found the young strong, ignorant and dull Cubs. No you He liked to believe he had been so superficial, but I was sure I it had been. It was fed to groups of war a couple of times, then no more. He gave Cubs a not so fond farewell, and moved again, She is taking care of yourself, avoiding the big cities and crowds. He spent many lonely nights in cemeteries or graves, thinking, feeling as if it was never going to find its place in the world. When he returned to Cirque du Freak, he asked Mr. Tall let him help as before. Tall Hibernius would not back an old friend, but soon Larten realized that this was not the life for him, certainly not in their actual state. She loved the circus life and would have been happy in another time to settle there. But he was restless, so he moved without any idea of what I expected and when he left the Mountain Vampires. A few years after that, Larten was hunting deer. He had been following a herd for hours. He could have killed anyone before, but He was in no hurry. His clothes were made rags. He had grown a beard, -of a light brown color, as it should have originally been his
her hair and her nails were long and uneven. There were traces of blood around the mouth of past feasts, and dry spots on his cheeks. "By the bowels of Charna! You'll see even more terrible than I, "he laughed someone behind him, surprising the vampire. He turned so fast he lost balance and fell. As he leaned on his back, his gaze she posed in a smiling Vancha March. "What are you doing here?" Barked Larten. "Just passing by," Vancha sniffed. "I caught your scent-not he could help, really- and thought I'd stop to see what you were doing. " Vancha spent the next night wandering with Larten, making him tell her sad story. The General made no comment, simply He listened in silence. When Larten finally was speechless about his miserable state, Vancha said the young vampire could travel with him if She wanted. "I'm in a period aimlessly now," he said. "I went in search of Perta Palace Vin-Grahl few years ago. "Vin-Grahl had led to a group of vampires in a frozen desert to die shortly after war with the vampaneze. According to legend, he had built a castle ice and become a mass grave. Many vampires had sought the final resting place of the damned through the centuries. "Any luck?" Asked Larten. "No," Vancha sighed. "I really thought I would find, but everything I got was freeze. House lost some fingers. I've been too embarrassed to tell the clan. I can not help it indefinitely, but I would wait a little longer before I have his laughter. Paris is especially happy; he bet my favorite to shuriken I would find the palace. " The couple wandering aimlessly but welcome during the next year. They hunted and stories were told. Regularly they discussed to hang Larten time and inadvertently found completing many of the tasks that should have gone through to become General. Vancha for decades could have sworn he had no intention of become a mentor, but Larten had his doubts. As Seba, Vancha could be a shrewd operator when called him cunning. Most nights they slept under a tree or shrub. Vancha He did not believe the amenities as the coffins. I was never so happy as when I was sleeping in a cold, rocky floor, covered only by their
purple fur animal. Larten not enjoy this difficult life, but He used to it. In any case, it was better to sleep in the street with a friend in luxury himself. One night, while resting, Vancha decided to show their skill to spit. He spat into the air, kept his mouth open and took the spit when he fell. Swallowing, he laughed and said, "I bet you can not do that." "Why, in the name of the gods, do that?" Larten muttered. "It's a talent," Vancha said. "As touch your nose with your tongue." "Can you?" Vancha asked anxiously. "I've never tried and do not intend to," Larten said. Vancha out his tongue and explored, but despite that could touch the tip your nose if pushed down with a finger, tongue did not reach his nose voluntarily. In the end, he grunted and spat again and catch it again. "Come on," insisted Larten. "Try. it's fun. " "I do not intend to spit myself," Larten said stiffly, stifling a smile. "Now leave me alone or tragarás one of your shurikens rather than saliva. " "Leave my quiet shurikens," Vancha growled, stroking their stars ninja tied a belt around his body. Vancha rather fight hands I thought guns were a sign of weakness-but shurikens were an exception. "Some of them have hundreds of years of old. They are historical. " Larten frowned. "I thought that doing it yourself." "Most of them, yes. But I have a few of the Edo period, including one I think it goes back to the Kamakuras. " "What are you talking about?" Asked Larten. "Large Japanese dynasties. You know nothing of history? " "Not much," Larten said. "I've spent the last thirty years trying to memorize vampiric milestones. No time to research the history human, too. " "You should have done time," Vancha tutted. "Just a fool forget where he comes from. I do not have much to do with the human world, but we all started there and we can learn a lot about ourselves studying the ups and downs of humanity through the ages. "
"So tell me, good teacher," Larten said with a goofy grin. Although he had been sarcastic, Vancha took seriously their request. The Larten next few nights were for a summary of Japanese dynasties, from Asuka to Edo, with special emphasis on weapons of each, particularly small, pointed, and throwing. At the end of its lessons almost wished he had carried out his threat and driven a shuriken in Vancha's throat. The smelly General was a good friend, but historian really boring!
Chapter Sixteen Eventually Vancha had to return to duty. As a General, He had to present at several meetings, keep an eye on the Cubs monitor the movements of the vampaneze, investigate rogue vampires. It Larten invited to accompany him on some jobs. As I had nothing to do, accepted. Having controlled few of the rioters Cubs admonishing even younger should obey certain rules, Vancha and Larten left in search of a vampire named Arrow, who He had cut contact with the clan. Princes wanted to know why He had separated. Vancha had found its target by a process known as triangulation. Like almost any vampire, Arrow had placed his hands Blood on the Stone in Vampire Mountain when it was joined the clan, allowing him draw blood. One of the Princes in the Mountain noticed the Magic stone and located the position of Arrow. Then he Prince communicated telepathically with Vancha and walked toward him. Vancha followed his instructions until they came to a house in a forest. They arrived late at night, and camped without approaching the house. Then a short sleep, they hid behind a couple of trees, and kept watching all day. They saw a red haired woman working within and around the house during the course of the day, but there was no sign of Arrow. It appeared when the sun went down. Left the house, she looked skyward, kissed women, and then went to fetch water as she slid into the home. Arrow was huge, burly bald. He had tattoos on arrows * both sides of his head and on his forearms. It did not look like someone who He walked away battered most of the fights. His menacing while she is carrying a bucket of water into a well in the side of the house not It did nothing to soften his hard impression. Arrow put the bucket on the floor on one side of the well, then he growled without looking upwards. "Go ahead if they are to come. I do not like spies. " "Sorry," Vancha said cheerfully, stepping forward. "I was not sure what position we were in. I did not want to intrude or cause any difficulty. "
Arrow arrow means
Arrow nodded sharply to Vancha, did run a Larten cold look on, then inhaled. "Sarah will have dinner soon. They are welcome to share it with us. " Vancha Larten and shared a short look, then moved to below. Vancha looked relaxed, but Larten noticed the way his fingers They remained near their shurikens. It found that knives were a easy to reach and remained near Vancha, ready to support it if they were attacked. The woman inside the house -Sarah- looked up as Arrow entered stomping and said "We have a visitor." She began to smile with curiosity when the strange couple entered. Arrow then said, "They're vampires." Her smile He vanished instantly and sat at the table in silence. Arrow put the bucket near the fire, kissed Sarah again, and then He sat and nodded to Larten Vancha and join him. "To Clan why these nights interest come from? " "You married a human?" Vancha frowned. "I married a beautiful and lovely woman," he corrected Arrow. Larten saw a quick smile cross his lips Sarah, as she gave half turned to look at her husband. "Now answer my question." Vancha scratched his armpit. "You were not so crabby before. Life quiet is not going with you. " "I was pleasantly me until you and your assistant appeared," he said Arrow. "Larten is not my assistant, just a friend." "No matter. And I asked twice, Vancha. Do not make me ... " "The generals are not interested," Vancha said. "We do not approve the vampires hanging out with humans, but it's been a long time since prohibíamos such unions, so why are you worried? " "Times change," noted Arrow. "I was not sure what was the mode current. When you showed up, you are having asked to be left alone, I thought ... " "Calm down," Vancha interrupted. "Who would You asked? Disappeared from the view without any words. It's why I came. " Arrow frowned. "I told Azis Bendetta my decision when I decided not abandon my studies and become a General. " Vancha sighed. "Azis is dead." "Since when?"
"Four years or more." "Even in death will triumph," Arrow muttered, making the sign the touch of death. She looked sad as he removed his hand, but relieved too. "It must have died before having delivered my message." "Yes." Vancha was smiling now. "So I'm not in any trouble?" "No." Arrow shook his head and laughed, then thundered, "Sarah! Beer and warm milk for our guests. " "I'll take the cold mine, thank you," Vancha laughed, then she stepped forward and patted Arrow shoulder. When Larten saw that, he relaxed and smiled when Sarah He is handed a cup of beer. When no one was looking, he slid the knives sideways. This was not a night of fighting, after all. Arrow's history was short and simple. He had met Sarah and had love. He told the truth about himself early in their relationship, it was a creature of the night sterile bloodsucker would live for hundreds years. "His sterility was the hardest thing to accept," Sarah said. He had a voice soft and a shy smile. "I was not concerned about the part of vampire He could swear he was not wicked brother and I am happy that both alive. But not be able to have children ... " "Probably at some orphanage adopt someday," said Arrow, rubbing a finger on Sarah's arm. "But for now we continue enjoying being a couple. The novelty still has not gone out. Begin a family in a few years, yes? " "Yes," Sarah giggled. It was not news to a vampire join a human, but Cubs usually just crossed that line. "Five years ago I would have said you were crazy if you'd told this would happen, "insisted Arrow. "I do not approve of those who came together out of ... " "Arrow ..." Sarah said in a warning tone. "Sorry. Those They married outside the clan. " "What's wrong with together?" Asked Vancha. "The animals come together," Sarah said coolly. "Humans get married." "But we're not either," Vancha noticed.
"There are more humans than animals," Sarah said. "At least they are and Arrow Larten. "He raised an eyebrow at the General of green hair and weird looking, and he He hissed with pleasure. To Vancha, an insult of a beautiful woman counted as a compliment. "Anyway," he continued Arrow, "I was happy as a vampire. Never thought I'd find a human as a couple †† ... wife, "he corrected Sarah quickly while squinting. "But we met when I was recovering from an injury and ... "He shrugged. "... Happily ever after," Vancha finished with a smile. Then his silent smile. "Except they will not, right? Forgive me for talking so openly, Sarah, but human life is short compared to ours. Do you plan to let you convert Arrow? " "No," Sarah said with conviction. "I love the sun too much to hide it. Best I have a short life span of days, that centuries of nights. " "So what happens when your heart can not have more and Arrow to throw you into a hole so you rot? "asked Vancha. "As diplomatic as ever," Arrow said dryly, sharing a sad look with his wife. "That worries me," Sarah whispered, shaking hands with Arrow. "Almost not I married him because I do not want to leave it that way but ... " "The future will bring what I bring," Arrow growled. "There are no guarantees in life. I could die before her, an illness or an accident. If I do not, I afflict any grieving husband when his wife dies. Then ... I'm not sure. If we have children, I'll finish raising them. If you have grandchildren, I will stay and I will look to grow. If not, then ... who knows? " "The clan will get you back if you decide to come back," Vancha said. "Do not We will move away just because you fell in love. You can finish your -only a few months training were your test and finally know all think highly of you. " "That's kind of you, but I can not see me making me General now. Maybe that will change, but I doubt it. Perhaps, if I live longer she simply sit down at the grave of Sarah, do not drink more blood and wait to join her. " "You will not do that!" Barked Sarah. "If you do that, and there is a paradise, you I will make the life a misery for the rest of eternity. "
In English the word "mate" is what I translated as "together", but it is also a noun it refers to the person you are meeting. Partner, spouse, partner, etc.
Arrow approached him and kissed his forehead. "What you will say, dear," he murmured. They stayed up late eating, drinking, chatting. Sarah went to the bed a few hours before dawn and then were only vampires. When they were alone, they talked about the clan. Vancha told to Arrow about the death of Aziz Bendetta and then brought him back to the date the Latest intrigues and events. "The brigade anti-vampaneze is getting stronger," he said in a time. "Fools are seeking war. As if one was not enough. " "Do you really think you come to that?" Asked Arrow alarm. "No," Vancha said. "The Princes know that a war would be catastrophic. They probably have one or two if the situation were different, but both time as are the likes of Paris and to maintain Chok Yamada common sense on the other, the truce is maintained. " They slept in the house that day -a Arrow Vancha reluctantly made his fluffy bed (by his standards) wooden floor, not wanting offend his host sleeping outside-and ate with him and Sarah night below. After the meal, Vancha wished the couple the fate of the vampires, and then he and Larten left. Larten was thoughtful as they slid through the forest. Never He had considered returning to human life as Arrow had. A part He liked the idea of finding a partner, marry, adopt children. There was He thought he had left that world behind forever, but now I saw it could be his back if he truly wanted. "That's a waste of a good vampire," Vancha sighed, interrupting the train of thought of Larten. "Arrow was a great warrior. It could have gone far. " "But it's happy where he is," noted Larten. Vancha shrugged. "Since when do vampires care happiness? A creature of the night is satisfied when all is right in your world. That is the way of nature. Happiness is crazy human. Vampires who seek it, usually do not get to anything good. " "This is a cynical way of looking at life," said Larten. "I say it as I see it," Vancha huffed. "If Arrow had taken a vampire as a couple, would be different. But marry a man ... " He shook his head, then chuckled. "Look, I glanced at the
vampiresas the last Council, I can not blame him. They are so horrible, right? Good warrior, but you do not want to kiss any of them! " "I do not think that someone in your position can be very demanding," said Larten. "What are you talking about?" Vancha frowned. "I would be a grabber first class. No woman would go wrong with a specimen like me. "To prove his point, he spat on his palm and spread the saliva for its leather haired. "I mean, seriously, what Miss tasteful would resist a head with bright green hair like mine?
Chapter Seventeen Shortly after his meeting with Arrow, Vancha was summoned to the Vampire Mountain business. Larten chose not to travel with him. They made vague plans to meet again, but their paths led them to elsewhere and they spent several years without contact. Larten spent those years plummeting into the dark pit from which Vancha There was rescued shortly. His time with the General had returned his love for the clan, reminding him why he had agreed to become Seba assistant first. But still he did not want to return to the Vampire Mountain and complete their training. Not yet. I felt it was not done with the human world yet, until we get him out it was that worried him out of himself and not know peace. One night, as he considered his options sadly Trying to Choose a country or city that had not visited before-found himself thinking Lady Evanna. I had not thought of the witch in a long time. He had had It intends to take advantage of his offer to visit at home, but He had forgotten. He knew instantly that this was what I wanted. Something different, a place or the humans or vampires. I had no idea where Evanna lived, but was sure you could find. She had given him that ability. All the I had to do was put in place and would guide his feet. It was a long journey. He intended to use trains and carriages, but every time I went to one lost sight of where he was going. I flit also he is disorienting. Evanna direction only when it was revealed walk, so he had to leave the easy alternatives and walking. But road was difficult and it was a good season. He enjoyed the trip more none that I had recently. Finally, months after putting on the way, he came to a small hill in a clearing. There was a cave near the base of the hill and a pond below. Larten not see the entrance of the cave at first sight. But nevertheless, when he made himself look better, clearly he saw the cave and went to her. There were plenty of frogs in the pond edge, croaking noisily. Some had strange colors and other brands were as ink in the head and back. Larten decided to investigate further and ready to take one of the frogs.
"I would not do that," someone said as he walked toward the pond. Larten looked up and saw a girl of no more than twelve or thirteen. It was He is carrying a bucket and looked at seriously. "They're poisonous." "Poison dart frogs?" Asked doubtfully Larten. "Pustules to throughout their languages," said the girl. "If they touch your skin, will break and the poison will leak. Would die in a matter of minutes, even if you're a vampire. " "Do you know who I am?" The girl nodded. "My lady has been waiting for." She grimaced and He shook the bucket. "That's why I'm dragging this. Evanna said you like when you got a hot bath, so I've been going to fetching water for the last couple of hours. " "My apologies," Larten said. "I can take it if you like." The girl smiled shyly. "It's okay. I can handle it. " They chatted as they walked to the cave. The girl's name was Malora. She could not remember his name; Evanna had taken an apprenticeship when I was five or six years and much of his earlier life was a mystery. "Did your parents let you take Evanna, or you sold it?" Larten asked. "I do not sold," snorted Malora. "I am not a slave, even if my Lady treats me like a most of the time. " Larten smiled. "I've heard stories like this before. ¿Still serves Arra Sails here? " "I've never heard of her," said Malora. "It was a trainee Evanna? " "Yes. He did not like his mistress more than you. " "Nobody does," snorted Malora. "I had four other girls when I arrived. I am the only one left, and will not stay much longer. As soon as find someone to accompany me safely back to the world Normal, I'm going! " Larten chuckled. The girl was young but combative, as Arra had been. It was a shame it was not more, maybe I would have had more courting success it had with the fierce Miss Sails. Approaching the cave, Evanna appeared. It looked exactly as I had done the last time he had seen. He had not changed or grown. His
hair was long and dirty, still wearing ropes and nails were cut from the same unusual shape. "Welcome, traveler." He bowed to Larten, then hugged him force. He did not raise the floor, but he pinched her cheek. "I thought never you were going to visit, "I chided. "Come, the bath is ready." Larten frowned. "What makes you think I'm desperate taking a bath? " "Not for you, you idiot," she snorted. "Remember what I said last time we say goodbye? "He looked at her blankly. "I got engaged to rub my back," she reminded him, and remembering how boasted impetuously Larten's face fell and her cheeks They turned redder than when she's had pinched. Larten spend the next night with the Lady of the Wild, with Malora always close, even though the apprentice did not say much, so often She forgot she was there. The vampire and the witch-she discussed in He liked to prove herself against him, as he was sure she could have crushed with a simple flick of the wrist if She Loved One and she would have treated him with a variety of vegetarian dishes. It had been skeptical of food at first, but Evanna He had surprised with an extraordinary variety of concoctions. It was not Larten enough to ward off the meat, even though she was He is urging him to leave his carnivorous side, but he would not put his nose in vegetables and fruits again. Evanna had some news of Sheba and Wester, which shared. All It was less -Reports of changes Seba had done in his role Mayor News from Wester very close to becoming guard but Larten adored gossip. In return, Larten Evanna told about his indecision. It was good to get their doubts and regrets his chest, admit how much he felt the way he had spoken to Seba, and regretted the years she had lost and wonder what the future held. He asked her advice, but she refused. "When it comes to the future, I must be careful," he said. "I have a gift of forecast I see things that have not taken place so I can not interfere. " "Did you see my future?" He asked Larten forward. "Parts of it," he said cautiously. "He tried not to learn too on the fate of those who please me. It is nice to know how much
time friend will leave the difficulties faced, the pain They will suffer. " "Did you see difficulties and suffering in my future?" Asked quietly Larten. "I was speaking in general terms," she corrected him. "All We suffer in one way or another. In your case ... "She seemed willing to reveal something and he leaned enthusiastically. Then she paused and cocked his head. Larten thought he heard a sound like-a ticking clock, maybe-but could not locate it. "Fate seen us all," she said quietly. "But nevertheless, his eyes caught some more than others. "She looked at her expression Malora He was touched. Then he turned his head toward the mouth of the cave. For your face wrinkled, Larten thought someone was lurking there. But he could not see anyone, and moments later the witch away your worries. "This is no time to worry about what the future might bring," He said. "We will drink and be merry. Your fate will be revealed in due time, as it always does. But think about this the next time you hesitate about way: where we always travel. You might think that you have devious, but just a few steps from the path of destiny. Your doubts always will be waiting. Accept them, deal with them and find what destiny requires of you. "For better or worse," she concluded sadly, and said nothing more to respect, leaving Larten mulling over his strange murmurs during time to come. That night, the council followed Larten Evanna drink and have some fun. The Beer was your choice of drink, but had tried Drinks alcoholic at the time. Since Evanna preferred wine, he drank her, even though she was stronger than he was familiar. "I drink more than any man," laughed Larten. "And that any vampire too. " "And what about a witch?" He asked Evanna. "I'll give it a try," he winked, giving health and Malora asking to fill his glass again. In the light environment, Evanna drank more than usual, and though she did not I could get drunk-it was physically impossible for someone as she is relaxed to the point of not thinking clearly. Rio's jokes and Larten He smiled when he flattered. Flattery were not new, but its
response was different. Larten began to think I was doing some advance. The more he drank, the more he made sure that the Lady of the Wild I was giving in to her charms. She would be his partner and would have many children powerful. I should not wonder about the future, then, for all vampires idolize him, whether he had completed his forming or not. "Evanna," muttered late that night. His voice was just a little confused, but his head was spinning. "Remember how you made before? Does the beautiful lady in which you became? " "Are you saying I'm not beautiful now?" Snorted. "Of course you are!" He shouted. "You are always a delight to the eye. But that otherwise ... you know the one I mean ... was fine. Could change again? " "Do not be reckless," Evanna growled, but she smiled at the same time. "Please, ma'am, I beg you, give me a vision to send me to bed hypnotized and dreamy. " She Evanna generally rejected such requests only changed for satisfied herself but loves Malora saw his smile strangely and felt that trouble was brewing. She filled the glasses and Evanna Larten, then slipped away. They thought she was going to bed, but actually he had other plans. If things went as she suspected, this would not only a memorable night for the witch and vampire, but for her too. Evanna did not notice that his apprentice was taking a bag beside her bed and let her out. She was considering the request Larten. Noting this, he pressed further. "It was a fair, Lady. Please allow me to worship again. " "Keep your worship for the gods," sniffed Evanna, but she decided to please him. His body shone and moments later was tall and thin, with long blond hair, smooth and deep eyes. Larten I never heard talk about a fairy tale princess more beautiful than this. His heart skipped a jump as he had done before, and it drew laughter. "Do you like, young monkey?" Evanna purred, turning to him, letting the hem of her dress slide around as fog. "I am very pleased," said weakly Larten. He had intended to out with a compliment of luxury, but that was the best he could manage.
"Vampires are simple creatures," laughed Evanna. "Very easy impress. I would be like you. Life would be much easier if I I could be contented with brightness like an angel, winning the heart of every man who saw me. I think so ... " Evanna kept talking, but Larten no longer focused on his words. His heart was pounding and he had only one thought in his head. Or even a part of him cried caution, longed to Evanna fully, as he had never wanted a woman before. He stood shivering while Evanna chattered, leaned back, wiped his dry lips and then seized the celestial maiden long dress white. Evanna thought she wanted to dance and laughed. But then he leaned forward and kissed her, and suddenly everything changed drastically. "Scoundrel!" Shouted Evanna, more surprised than indignant. She pulled away from he, who he tried to follow. Growling, she lashed out with his right hand. The long nail of his little finger caught the flesh of his left cheek, is He got deeply and started a channel on the side of her lip, where It freed. Larten screamed and fell back, blood pouring from the wound, his eyes wide with fear and pain. For a moment he thought Evanna I was going to finish him and shrugged when she nailed a look and raised its clawlike hands. Then the Lady of the Wild caught himself and stepped back. "Out!" He barked. Larten not wait for him to say it a second time. Tripping over his feet, He ran for his life, trying to stop the flow of blood from the wound with a He pulls the fabric of his shirt. Evanna only meant to put out of sight and returned once she calm down. But as he ran, he realized that he had understood bad your order. He thought she was banished. He began to call for tell her that she could stay and would repair the skin of his face lest you remained a scar. But as the words formed in his mouth, she heard a soft tick. He felt a tightness in the chest and almost called him anyway. But she knew she should not. That was his destiny, and was not his should interfere in this work. "It definitely is not," said someone with a cold but pleasant voice. "You have done well to hold your tongue. You would have to cut if you do not you had. "
Evanna saw a pair of green boots coming across the floor toward her. The man within them had been standing almost in the way of Larten when he fled, but she was not surprised that the vampire had not seen the uninvited guest. The little intrusive revealed only when I wanted to be noticed, and only when these sightings guaranteed a conflict and chaos. "I did not know you were watching," Evanna said quietly. "Oh, yes," he smiled his visitor. "I've been keeping an eye on the Lord Crepsley for a long time. It addresses a path deliciously dangerous and I plan to be there when you reach the extreme drop. In his hour dark will be close to reach it and provide hope. What a man It is so lucky to have a friend like me to keep an eye on him. Do not you agree, daughter? " Closing his eyes, Evanna sighed and offered a short prayer for Larten and Malora, even though he knew, as an agent of destiny with the power of foresight, his prayer would not help the poor and condemned as wide minimum.
Chapter Eighteen Larten staggered down the hill from the cave, her cheek stinging, blood pouring wet cloth that covered the wound. Pain and air the night he was sobered quickly. How could he have been so stupid? Evanna vampires killed for less than that. No blame for have cut the cheek. I was just surprised that he left the cave alive. Somehow he felt sorry for that. At least not He would have had to live with the shame if he had killed. On shaky legs he made his way to the edge of the pond. He is making sure it was not available to any poison frog, is He knelt down and wipe off your cheek. Fresh blood flowed to his chin. -more Moaning softly because that pain-hand cupping, he took some water and splashed on his face. It burned, but not enough He thought it would. Lowering his head, he drove deep under water and left there until he ran out of air. When he stood up panting, she heard footsteps. He believed that the witch He had been behind him. Instead of fleeing, he maintained his stance, looking at the water while the waves calmed down, wanting to die honorably when attack. But when she saw her reflection as the person approached, he realized that was not Evanna. It was his apprentice, Malora. "Does it hurt terribly?" He asked, kneeling beside her. "I've had worse," sighed Larten. He had been wounded more serious while training in Vampire Mountain. But his pride he had only suffered a blow like this on that first night fight in his first Council. Malora handed her a clean handkerchief. He thanked with a short smile, Then he winked as he pressed against his wound. "I have a needle and the balance, "he said, stroking a purse. "I can sew, if you wish. If I sew cleanly, the scar is not much noticed. " Larten considered his offer, then declined. "I'll leave the wound open," he said. "I remember what a fool I was and I hope to help me never to repeat the mistake I made tonight. " Malora smiled. "You tried to kiss her, right?" Larten nodded. "He hit me, then he kicked me. I'm surprised that he did not kill me. "
"It was the wine. If you had been sober, I would be wrapping your head cut into a rag now. You're not the first to try to take advantage of it, "Malora said in response to his raised eyebrow. "I had to get up pieces of a pair of contenders too loving in the past. But Evanna know the effect that the wine is in mortals. The were angry, obviously, but realized that you were clumsy and innocent cynical and insulting. " "Would you give my apologies in the morning?" Asked Larten. "No," Malora surprised. "I'll go with you." "What are you talking about?" Larten frowned and made a gesture sprout torrent of blood from the wound. "I said I was not happy," said Malora. "I've been waiting for a directed escort me out of here. You will. " "Wait a minute," Larten alarmed he said. "I'm not an escort. You do not know where I go. I probably will not see another human for months. " He shrugged. "That does not bother me. Probably never again my human life. I'm interested in vampires. I want to learn about their customs, may become one of you. " "No!" Barked Larten. "I do not want an assistant. I am not a General. I heard talking with Evanna. I'm confused, I lost. I do not know what I want for me same, so it could hardly make decisions for you. " "I'm not asking you to make decisions for me," he said coldly Malora. "I did them. I go with you. You lead me where I do not care. I do not care if you're not part of the clan, and probably never will be. I just want to go with you a while. When you have enough of your company, I'll go. " Larten stared at the girl, unsure of what to say. "You too young, "he tried. "The life of a vampire is hard. I can not be tolerant because you're a kid. " "If I'm old enough to be the apprentice of a witch, I'm old enough to serve a vampire, "snorted Malora. "If it is to be tolerant, no problem. I need your help to get out of here, but once we get to civilization I take care of myself. If I can not keep you, you have my permission to release me. " Larten tried one last tactic. "Maybe you're not safe traveling me, "she said darkly. "What if I try to kiss and kissed Evanna?"
"Nonsense," snorted Malora. "You're not that kind of man and take advantage of a girl like me. Even if you were ... well, I also I have sharp claws, only that slip down your throat, not your cheek. " Larten laughed, then winced at the pain of his wound. "Okay," he murmured. "As you understand you're not my assistant, just a company, okay? " "Sure," Malora said meekly, then added wickedly, "Master." Larten stood. He offered a hand to Malora, but she refused and it stopped. Beaming, he asked. "What way?" Larten blinked, then looked around and pointed to his right. Malora shook his head. "Left?" She tried weakly. "Excellent choice," he smiled brightly and began to walk ahead it. Larten thought about running away from the other side She could not catch it if cometeaba- but he did not want to leave the girl alone in the dark. Draining Blood handkerchief, he put on his cheek, rolled his eyes toward heavens, and then followed Malora like a lamb.
Part Five "And like a lot of deadly mercury, He attacked. "
Chapter Nineteen Larten blew his nose, he bent over and coughed. His face was red when He took a breath and had to spit thick phlegm, awful, in an already dirty handkerchief. "Give me that," said Malora, knocking the snot rag and giving one clean. She wrinkled her nose as she dropped her handkerchief in a tub of water hot. This was the fifth that used from the sunset. "I did not think vampires could get the flu," Malora muttered. "It's weird," complained Larten. "We are immune to most diseases. However, when a strain of influenza attacks the vampires, swats. " She shivered and adjusted her blanket around him, but to no avail. There was noticed the symptoms a few weeks before. It was worse for ten nights, then had begun to improve. He was surprised at his quick recovery; Flu often killing vampires who attacked, or he stayed in their system for months. Malora pressed the back of his hand on the forehead of the Vampire check its temperature. She had not learned a lot in his years with Evanna, but he had gotten some councils about healing. "Drink more soup," she growled. "What about beer?" Asked Larten hopeful. "If I find you near a pitcher of beer, sleep in the street," he he snapped. It was a familiar and he knew enough to take it to the light. She had driven from her room more than once in the past when he had drunk too much and was irritated. Larten blew her nose again and studied over his Malora handkerchief. He had become a beautiful young woman. She kept her hair and she wore short trousers skirts more often because it was easier for travel, but no one would have mistaken for a boy. Captivated the Knights in every place he went. Though he had celebrated its tenth sixth birthday in the early years-old at that, youth Larten, many girls were already married and given birth-she never had shown interest in men who wanted to attract it. "No spells that can be used to clean this up?" Asked Larten. "Evanna probably know some," Malora said with false sincerity. "We can visit it if you want." Larten pale and his fingers went automatically to his scar, touching up and down. The prominent scar could have been
considered a deformity to the human, but he proudly wore. She reminded him of his folly, but also his good fortune; were very few vampires they could say they had invoked the wrath of the Lady of the Wild and lived to tell the tale. He crawled to the window and looked at the street. There were not many lamps, but I could see clearly through his watery eyes. He was not sure where they were staying. Malora had led for the last fifteen days. Usually they slept in crypts or caves, but she had insisted hotels while he was sick. He had resisted first he thought that clean air would be better for him but he was so sick to the third night could have slept on a giant needle if it is so ordered. When I was looking out the window, I saw an old man approaching. The man had long white hair and a long silver beard. His ear right had been cut a long time and his face was full of wrinkles. A Although it seemed old, and was even greater than it seemed, walking with a mood in his footsteps that many young men They possessed. "I think not," said Larten. "Paris Skyle!" "Prince?" Asked Malora. "Yes. Do you know him? " "Only his reputation." She released her arm on a Larten excited He is trying to move quickly on it. "Where are you going?" "A look," Larten said impatiently. "I have not seen in ages Paris. I have to call him before ... " "Was it a coincidence that of all the hotels in the world choose to spend for this, "Malora said pointedly. "But what are the odds it happens? " "You think you came to see me?" He asked Larten, giving way to joy nervousness. "Look at it another way, he is doing or is going?" Larten back to the window and watched Paris stopped, studying the cartel outside the inn, then entering. "You are as cunning as Evanna," he muttered. "Nowhere near," sniffed Malora. "But even the dumbest woman has more meaning that the average man. Wait! "She cried when tried Larten push behind him.
"What now?" Larten grimaced. "You will not see the Prince dressed like that," she said firmly. It was not recently changed clothes. They were very dirty and smelly, -and also dotted with dried saliva stains frescas- and snot. "Paris is a vampire prince," Larten said. "Do not mind the look." "Anyway, I will not let out in this state. I will call for you take a hot bath. Once you've bathed you, wearing apparel clean and sounded the nose a few times you can introduce yourself to him. " "But if he's waiting for me ..." Larten exploded. "... Will have to be patient," Malora ended calmly. "I'll give you a glass of wine to keep quiet-not have many here, but there are some good bottles hidden ago-and then tell you will be with him. " "How do you know what wine you have?" He asked Larten when she released him. "I'm your assistant," Malora said. "It's my job to know such things. Now be sure I undressed when I return, and do not be shy, you have nothing you have not seen before. " "Malora!" Gasped Larten, but she was already gone. Paris was amused and impressed by Malora, and when Larten they finally could stand before his old friend, spent the first part of night talking about it. He told the prince how he had known and She smiled shyly as Paris howled with laughter upon hearing how he had Larten got his scar. "Do not tell anyone else that story," laughed Paris. "Let them believe that the You got fighting with a lion or a vampaneze! "Evanna is much more dangerous," said Larten. "Yes, but still a woman. Trust me, if you want to keep your reputation, be mysterious about this. " "I do not have a reputation," he said sadly Larten. "In some sectors he has," replied kindly Paris. "You're not the first vampire who loses his way. We are aware how difficult it You can choose the path of General. If you return to the fold, you'll see more welcome you can imagine. Even stranger would accept your choice assistant. " "Malora is not a real wizard," Larten said. "She is not interested in be converted. I think he just likes to be sent. "
"Show me a woman who does not," Paris laughed and ordered another glass of Malora interesting wine had found for them. The pair chatted all night, retiring to a nice room Back when all the customers had gone to bed, where they drank the oily light of a single candle. Paris took a sip of wine and drank Larten beer. (He would get in trouble for defying Malora, but not him It mattered. It was an occasion for beer.) Paris forwarded the latest of Vampire Mountain. Seba and Wester were fine. Wester had become a guard and was proud as a peacock. "Seba is only proud," Paris said. Larten was it too, although he recalled his own failures and had to strive to keep his smile in place. Paris gave Larten some councils on the best way to combat flu. Prince had suffered some very bad over the centuries and recommended herbs that were not very fashionable but decreased Most of his suffering in the past. "But to be honest, you just have to cope as best you can," he added. "You'll be sick for at least another month. It comes and goes in waves, and I do not think you've already won. Wrap up, following the council Malora, and pray to the gods to let you live if that is your will. " Near dawn, when the two had a rosy glow for wine and Beer, Paris talked about his real reason for locating the vampire. "Seba is poor in spirit," he said. "Sick?" He moaned Larten alarmed. "I do not bother. Misses you, but more than that. A Seba not you Whether you want to or not to become General, live among humans or take some other route. He just wants to be happy. But according to reports it has received over the years, you're not. Feels that struggles Blind vague. That worries. " "I never wanted to disappoint Seba," Larten said miserably. "I wanted to be proud of me, as it is with Wester. " "Then give him something to be proud of," Paris said quietly, but deliberate. "In the name of the gods, Larten choose. You are not a new convert. You've enjoyed your wild years and had time to since you distanciaste reflect clan. Surely you must have any idea what you want to do with your life. "
Larten sighed. "It's complicated. Longing to be a General, but I feel there more to do before returning and completing my training. I dont know why which, but for the moment the idea of returning ... "He shook his head. "What if you could train outside the Vampire Mountain?" He asked Paris. "I could be your tutor and teach while traveling. Larten was surprised by the offer. Seba had said that the Princes They were interested in him, but he had not believed it; I had thought that his old teacher was just flattering him. This was an incredible opportunity. Just a fool the decline. The opportunity to be trained by a Prince probably not be repeated. And yet ... For some reason, he recalled Larten ticking sound I'd heard in the Evanna cave. That noise disturbed his dreams from time to time, not knowing why, just he did not know why he had to think about it now. "Sleep on it," said Paris, at the flash of temptation eyes bloodshot Larten. He stood up and stretched. "There is not hurry. No I have to go up in a few nights. Think about it. I discuss it with Malora. Not trying to pressure you for an answer. " "You are too kind to me, sir," he murmured Larten making bowed his head respectfully. "I know," she laughed Paris, and then went to the room we had prepared Malora for him, where he was surprised to find a coffin from a couple of tables. "Now this is what I call first class service," he murmured as he got and put the lid on himself.
Chapter Twenty As soon as he got up to Larten midafternoon, Malora scolded by having taken the night before. He tried to defend his actions and said I think beer had done him some good, but she made him take a cold to purge the evils of alcohol bath. Then he told her about Paris's offer and asked his opinion. He thought about it a long time before responding. "It's not a question Yes you're going to become General, but when. " Larten was surprised by his security. "Do you believe?" "You were born to be a General. It only matters when you think right to complete your training or if you prefer to be around when the world for some years, lamenting the difficult decision that you have to face. " "That is a cruel way of saying," Larten muttered. "Real But," he grinned. "I do not know why you're out for so long. I doubt you even know it. If you feel that this is a bad now, tell him not to Paris. But you should consider that the moment right It may never come. You may feel hesitant all your life and all you have to do is pick a moment and say, I'm going to General become, to hell with the consequences. " Made an accurate imitation of him, and he found himself smiling. "And what about you?" He asked Larten. "If I return to the clan, you will have to study hard to be converted. " "Do not be ridiculous," snorted Malora. "I have no intention of letting me you convert. Vampirism does not interest me in the least. " Larten stared with his mouth open. "So why, black blood of Harnon Oan, you've been following me around the world? "thundered. "You really thought you wanted to become a vampire?" He asked. When he nodded, sighed. "I knew you were naive, but did not think both. " When I swelled to yell, she reached out and gently stroked his scar. His Contact calmed. "I never wanted to join the clan," Malora said softly. "I said I wanted because that was what I needed to hear. I do not care back to the world human either. I just wanna be with you every night and day that I remain. I knew you were the man for me from the moment I vi. "
"Wait a minute!" Larten swallowed. He had not expected declaration of love. "You're a girl." "A young lady," he corrected. "And I am becoming an adult. I am patient. I can wait until you decide I'm old enough. " "But ..." "If you're going to say I will always be a child in your eyes," he interrupted cutting, "Do not. You can reject me, but do not insult me. I will not stand that, No man, not even the love of my life. " "Love ..." Larten echoed faintly. "No need to do anything now," Malora said sweetly. "You are slow, like most men, but you will recover soon and you will realize that you love me as much as I love you. I just want you to know that, intermission, I follow you no matter where you go. Your road is mine because my heart is yours. "Now enjoys Paris. I'll wait until you return. Whenever you I wait, my love " With that he drove out of the room and left it looked at the door closed with bewilderment. After scratching your head for the sixth time, he and he headed back downstairs for a drink and ponder. Paris was nowhere to be found which took -Larten the elder Prince was still asleep but a middleaged bearded sat at a table, writing in a notebook. He greeted Larten and invited him to sit. While he sat cautiously, the man said, "You are the Lord Skyle friend, right?" Larten relaxed. "Do you know Paris?" "Oh, yes," the man smiled. "My name is Abraham, but please tell me Bram. " Larten gave his own name, shook hands and accepted the mug of beer He proffered. "What are you writing?" Asked Larten. "Just some ideas for a story I'm planning" "Do you write stories?" Larten was interested. He had known many authors for decades and was interesting. "Novels, mostly. Perhaps you've heard of Past Snake? " Larten shook his head. "I am not a reader. Never learned. "I hope he man shone surprised, perhaps even despise him, but only Bram He shrugged.
"Maybe you're better off. Writing is my life-along with directing a theaterbut sometimes I think it would have been more successful and much happier if ever I had taken a pen. Reflection is a cruel master. " Bram Larten pressured into giving details of his books and theater. He learned that the writer was from Ireland but now living in London, "When I'm not trotting around Europe trying to finish this damn novel! " Larten When asked about his new book, Bram rejected the question with a gesture. "I never talk about a work in progress. I do not want me bad luck. Tell me about your life, instead. You're a vampire like Paris, No? " "A vampire, yes, but hardly as Paris," Larten river. "He is something of a legend, right?" Bram smiled. "Among vampires, certainly," he agreed Larten. During the hours that followed, Bram told some of their favorite stories from Paris Skyle, he is becoming more eloquent while taking. After a while, Bram asked if he could take notes, "just for fun" and said Larten of course he could. Bram was interested in the rest of the clan, as in the vampaneze. He wanted to know when the vampires had stopped killing when they fed, and if someone would have leaked that rule now. "Never," Larten said. "The punishment is severe if you break the law." "A stake through the heart?" Bram guessed. "Or something fatal," Larten nodded. "The tradition of the stake began with Vlad, I suppose," Bram murmured, trying to hide their interest in the answer. "Vlad?" Larten blinked. "Also it is known as Vlad Tepes or Vlad Dracula? It was one of the clan, No? " "No, you troublesome meddler," someone growled behind them. "There it was." Larten stared at a grumpy Paris Skyle, who appeared behind the chair Bram. Bram took a sip and turned, smiling shakily. "Good evening, Paris, am glad to see ..." "What have you been telling them this scum? " Paris growled. "Not much," Larten said hesitantly, beginning to realize that He had been speaking freely with someone who did not know. "He asked for you and the clan ... "
"And you said what you wanted to hear?" Interrupted Paris. Larten blushed. "Yes. I was open to him. He said you knew and did not think I needed to be careful with him. " "Think a little more next time," Paris said coldly, then put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed Bram. Bram blinked, but did not try escape. "Persistent you, Mr. Stoker. I assume you I sent the message requesting my presence across the city. You wanted my friend for you for a while, right? " "I needed more facts to my story," Bram said softly. "Facts? I thought it was going to be a work of fiction. " "It is. I gave my word that I would do nothing to expose or harm the clan. But the more you know, then more of me I can assure not accidentally write something that takes people to investigate their movements. " "If you did not write about us, you might be even safer," he said Paris icily. "Someone is going to write about vampires sooner or later," Bram said. "Would you prefer a work of fiction, where fogging the truth and give the world something fantastic, or a shot that mention the Vampire Mountain, General and the rest? " Paris thought about it, then removed his hand. "Maybe you're right. Yes your stories deceive people into thinking that vampires are beasts mythical, probably a good thing. Not that I think that many will read. People want inspiring stories, not morbid stories bloodsucking creatures of the night. " "You'd be surprised," said Bram, taking his pen again. "Will you answer my questions?" "Yes," Paris nodded, "but not tonight. I'm entertaining a friend. Wait a few nights and I'll let you have your ... as you said last ... Once your interview with a vampire. " "Can we shake hands on that?" Bram asked, extending a hand. "No," Paris said strictly. "A vampire does not need shaking hands once gave his word. Go away, Abraham Stoker, and give me the I ordered space. I talk to you soon. " Bram nodded and gathered his belongings. "Sorry if you got in problems, "he told Larten.
"Move," barked Paris. "We have not eaten yet and your neck looks perfect for a bite. " Bram gave Paris a dark look, then walked away from the table, threw some coins to the innkeeper and left. Paris watched him go, then he sat and He ordered a glass of wine. "Sir, excuse me if ..." began Larten. "Never mind," Paris said curtly. "Man has been following my steps over three years. It would have forced a confrontation eventually. I'm not worried. I am sure that your book does not will sell a lot even if published, which I doubt. Let's talk about topics more important. Have you considered that what we talked about? " Larten nodded. "So?" If Paris would have asked that question a few hours earlier, would Larten Prince accepted an offer to train it. But his careless conversation with Bram Stoker had disturbed. Paris missed it, but Larten knew he should have been more cautious. Even newborn converts not arguing about the clan with anyone who does not trust completely. His confidence had been shaken. It could be -Paris more time to answer what was not but his head apurandoI was sore from the flu, which seemed to be returning with a revenge, and the beer was settling heavily on his stomach. All I wanted was to go to his room to ruminate. "I thank you for offering to take me under your arms, but do not think ready to take my lessons, "he said. Paris sighed. "I expected a different answer." "Sorry to disappoint you, Lord. I mean no disrespect. " "You must do what your heart says, of course, but ..." Paris hesitated, then she pressed. "Vaga if you must, Larten, but the longer you are in the exile, will run more risks. " "Risks, Lord?" Larten frowned. "You risk losing you forever," Paris said. "Maybe you never halls way, and finish by becoming somewhat bitter and drifting. The world You can corrupt a lonely vampire. We are creatures of the night, but the Darkness is dangerous for someone without friends. " "I have Malora," Larten said softly.
"She can probably face even worse dangers," Paris replied, then he grimaced. "But I'm doing what I said I would do, try to persuade. Ignore my last comments. I am old and rotten. As an old man, I see dangers where none exist. You are eager to return to your room, I know, but bear with me another drink. I promise not to talk about this subject again. " Larten had a nightcap with Paris, but did not enjoy it. He remained wondering what the Prince had said. The talk of the dangers in the Darkness had disoriented. He had survived all this time alone and he never felt under threat. And no harm could fall over when she Malora Larten had to protect her. Still, he felt a truth almost a prediction-in notice of Paris. Coughing heavily, clearing phlegm from his lips with one of the Malora scarves that had washed for him that morning, struggled to Larten indicate the source of his restlessness, but failed. He decided to end the flu had simply exhausted their forces. That was why it felt so gloomy. It will happen when it improves. Everything would be fine then, I was insurance. After all, in this world of humans, he was a little more than a monster, and what had to fear a monster in the dark?
Chapter Twenty "Let the sea!" Roared Larten, crawling toward the docks. "That's a bad idea," Malora gasped, trying to pull him back, but He is having much luck as he would have had a dog with an elephant. "I want to surf ... the seven seas." Larten laughed. "I'm sick of ... these people and cities. ... I want to keep moving. I do not trust land. " He stopped in the middle of the street and watched the people watching him from strange way. He was dressed in elegant pants and sweater dirty white sailor had bought the night before, a shoe in his right foot and an old boot on the left. He was holding a lady umbrella over his head against the sun. Malora thought the sweater had put the idea in his head. The flu was at its culminating He went back and forth for the past six weeks and was now worse than ever, but he had been willing to stay inside and do what she said until purchased stupid sweater. As soon as I put it on, he began insisting on going to sea; He had smelled the salty air a couple of nights before, when they came to town. He had managed to calm him down and put him to sleep, but she had awakened with fresh idea in his head. Without stopping to eat, you had dressed and limped to the docks, with Malora running to keep up, trying to change his mind. "Larten!" She snapped as he looked around. "It is not good idea. We'll take a long cruise when you feel better. you are sick. We go to a dry and warm place so you can ... " "No!" He shouted, grabbing her again. "Vampire hunters ... in earth. They'll put a stake through my heart ... We have to reach the sea. Live between the waves. Yes! " Malora discussed with him all the way, but he ignored her. In the spring he He walked around like crazy, checking all boats. He arrested many sailors and he asked them if they knew what boat was making the trip longer. Some shrugged and did not answer. Those yes they did, they gave conflicting information. However, when a Tornado man mentioned at the Pearly, Larten was considered settled. Malora was almost shouting. When Larten found the ladder, he was launched before him in their way.
"No more," he said hoarsely. "It's crazy. If you go, you go without me. I'll leave here Larten, I swear. " "Then let me," he said coldly and jumped on it. As he climbed, Malora cursed, looking longingly at the land of the springs, and then She followed him. He tried to put a brave face - "Okay. I always wanted to see more the world. "- but I was terribly worried. The flu was wreaking havoc with Larten. If aggravated at sea, he was dead. A boy was cleaning the deck when Larten addressed. The boy looked at It stranger strangely dressed, shrugged, he spat on side and then returned to clean. "You!" Shouted Larten. "Where you are your captain?" "In his cabin," said the boy. "Go get it from me." The boy was about to tell Larten it was by his own feet, but then I saw Malora and straightened. "Good evening, ma'am," he greeted smiling in a way that he hoped libertine. "Can I help you?" "Larten," Malora tried one last time, but he shook his head aggressively. He gave up and sighed. "I'm Malora. This is my teacher, Larten Crepsley. He is willing to go on this boat. " "There is a passenger boat, ma'am," the boy said. "Sometimes we few paying customers when we have space, but in general is the crew and cargo. I do not think there are many free cabins on this trip. " "Did you hear that?" Malora said with a twinkle in his voice. "Nonsense," sniffed Larten, tossing a coin to the boy. He caught on midair and put it away immediately. "What is your name?" "Daniel Abrams," said the boy quickly. "You'll have another currency when you bring me the captain." "Yes, sir, Mr. Crespley, sir!" Barked Daniel, then ran. The captain was a rough, burly man. He looked hesitant Larten but like Daniel, his face lit up when he saw the beautiful Malora. "Lord. Lady. Can I be of assistance? " "We looked for a cabin," Larten said. "Unfortunately, this is not a passenger ship. We have a handful of passengers, but we have squeezed the maximum capacity of the boat this trip. If you want to go to America, I can recommend ... "
"No matter where I go," snapped Larten, and then paused. "United States?" "Ultimately," the captain nodded. "There are a few stops early, Greenland pass by the way, but ... " "Greenland" Larten shouted excitedly. "That's where I want to go." "An odd to want to visit, sir place," said the captain. "But I can recommend a couple of boats to get there too. " "I do not want another boat," growled Larten. "This is the boat for me. The Tornado Pearly ... is a good name, a good boat and a captain first. " "It's very nice to say that, sir, but I really can not ..." Larten dug in his pockets, took all his money and gave it to astonished captain. "Is this enough? Malora, give more if you like. " "I do not need more," he said quietly Malora. She shared a He looks with the captain and took a few notes. He did not object; in fact, it seemed relieved. "This would cover the cost of our trip and convince others Passengers leave a place? " "I will," said the captain weakly. "But you have to share the cabin. " "No," Malora said firmly. "We need a own cabin." "But ..." the captain began to protest. Malora gave one of the notes he had written and killed captain kept the money. "Give me fifteen minutes. I'll have it resolved by then. " "And, Captain," Malora called. "Linen if you can." He smiled slightly and raised his hat to her. "Yes, ma'am." Pearly Tornado sailed the next tide. Larten missed the game. He was sleeping in his cabin, going round and round with fever. Malora already been cleaned once, after he had vomited about himself and sheets. The next few days or weeks would be difficult, until the flu happened. (Or until he died, he whispered a part of it, but he chose to disregard this grim possibility.) When he felt that the ship was in motion, Malora left and went Larten on deck. It was their first time surfing and was fascinated by all activity around him. I had never thought that running a boat out something as complex. The other passengers were also on deck, watching the coast nostalgic as they walked away. There were four men, two women and a baby she clung to her mother and cried loudly. Malora assumed
they were going to start a new life in America, and were so poor that They had not been able to get a passage in one of the boats regular. Daniel Abrams-the boy who had received-watched Malora, spat over the railing and nodded politely. "Your love is sleeping?" He he guessed. "Resting," Malora said. "It looked sick when he came on board," Daniel said. "Influenza," Malora said. "Gone are the worst part, but probably leaning the rest of the trip. His eyes are weak from illness. Not You can stand being in the sun for long, so he had the umbrella. " "Ah," Daniel nodded, like a doctor. "If you need anything, liquor, medicine, or hot food, let me know. We do not have too, but I can get you the best of what we have ... for a price. "He coughed uncomfortably unaccustomed to that kind of negotiation. Malora smiled at the boy. "My teacher is a generous man. You will be well rewarded for services rendered. And you have my gratitude for such kind offer. " Daniel blushed. "Whatever you want, lady, just ask for the Mr. Abrams. I'm a little crow right, me. " Malora stood on deck for a couple of hours to adapt to wave motion, deep breathing the salty air. Prior to He returned to his cabin, Daniel asked me to get supplies them, drink, food, and oven: she said she wanted to cook in their cabin while his teacher was sick. While he did that, it He went to Larten. The vampire was awake, but wrong. He did not recognize her when she Malora he came in, he thought it was Evanna, coming to a scar on the other side of his face. He tried to hide under their blankets, but she whispered his name again and again and cleared his eyes and sat up. "Malora?" He complained. "Who else?" "Where we are?" . "In a boat" When she looked, she said: "You wanted to visit Greenland." He tried to figure out what could have said such a thing, but she had a head when I thought too. "I'm hungry," he lamented.
"The food is coming." "No," he said. "The other hunger." Malora frowned. I had already considered that it was one of the reasons for which he had been reluctant to travel in the first place but had not thought you need to feed as soon. "Can you wait?" She asked. "We will dock at the first port in one week. We can go ashore and ... " He was already shaking his head. "I can not," she gasped. "Hunger ... I have that feed as it arrives. It is dangerous not to. You could drink too much if I do not do it regularly. " "Well," he sighed and sat down beside her. She lifted his shirt, took a knife from his belt and made a small cut under his elbow. She did not He grimaced in pain as the blade cut his flesh, it would take more that to make mourn. "Not much," he murmured as Larten is He leaned enthusiastically. "We have to make it last." He nodded, and then put your lips around the court. Malora He smiled and stroked her hair as he fed, his expression and gestures much like the mother of the deck trying to calm the crying your baby.
Chapter Twenty Malora expected Larten disembark when they reached the pier. His condition was deteriorating and needed rest and warmth. But he would not hear about that. When the fever made him hallucinate, she insisted on going to Greenland Palace Perta search Vin-Grahl. (Malora had no idea who he was.) In his most despondent moments he moaned that he wanted to die on board and be buried at sea. But in no way he intended to get off at none of his previous stops. Malora never lost his temper, even when he was most plaintiff. This was the man she had chosen and loved as completely as any sixteen year old he could love. Nothing that drew his patience did, whether shouting, asking him to kill him, arrojándosele over or spitting in his face. Flu was what made do those things, and she refused to blame him for his actions of sick head. The captain, Daniel and the rest of the people were in love with Malora. He spent a long time making friends, joking with the sailors, sewing clothes for them, helping in the kitchen. Daniel was especially missed by her, even though she knew she could not win her heart, being younger and just starting her life. Chased like a faithful dog whenever he could. He even asked him to teach cook, to spend more time with her in the kitchen. He was a chef terrible, but it continued to be near Malora. Because the girl liked them a lot, they did not say anything bad about your teacher bedridden. When improperly made deaf ear roared its insults. On the rare occasions when he left his cabin and caused a disturbance in the side, or they ignored and waited for Malora held him by back into. They would have landed any other passenger equally destructive, no matter how much you paid, but they tolerated the Malora annoying orange hair. Caring for Larten was thorough, but Malora was ready for the challenge. He worked hard, took care of him fiercely and let him eat it when needed blood. It took longer than usual fever, and she would not be able I feed him indefinitely from his own veins. When they made their last stop before embarking on the long, Greenland uninterrupted stretch, tried to convince him Malora down with it, feeding on the blood of another person and restored the
road that was in an emergency. But he thought he was Larten trying to trick him, the ship would leave without them, so he refused. Desperate, Malora took the vials and lowered herself. Walking unpleasant dark alleys, found a number of sailors sleep by the surf. Taking care not to hurt them, he made small cuts on his arms and legs and tried to fill the vials. It was a job complicated, but returned with something to demonstrate their efforts, pleased with what he had brought. Malora much less would have been happy if he had seen Daniel Abrams following her through the streets from one victim to another. The boy had not gone to spy. First he followed as he did on the boat, simply wanting to be near the girl. When she started explore the alleys, he figured he should look if you tuck in trouble-he had vague ideas about his life and win her heart. But when he saw her taking blood from the roncantes sailors ... Daniel was deeply disturbed when he returned. Your first instinct It was report but was sure the captain would miss if he knew what the sweet-looking girl was doing. Daniel could not care less Larten Crepsley, but would miss Malora. At the end he kept his own advice but he decided to monitor the girl and her mysterious teacher. Not I was sure what he wanted Malora blood. It must be for some Strange medical treatment. But he thought it was evil in all this. Not He was sure what it was, but I was sure I guess. Daniel was sharp. Discover its dark crimson secret, no matter what outside. The ship sailed, one day blending into another. The waters were calm at that time of year, but were still endure some rough nights Moreover, when Malora was sure the boat was going to capsize ‡‡. The other passengers were so scared her, but the crew never He was worried. Malora not know if it was because they felt safe or because as sailors knew that eventually they would die at sea. Never he asked. It was better not to know, if the answer is the latter. The mood of Larten improved temporarily darken after another time. He had never known a fever like this. I was sure that no it could be natural, even a vampire. Moreover, Paris Skyle could telling, and had herbs and treatments that could have
Sink
Recommended. But as the Prince had tried to tell Larten in inn, there was not much that a human could understand on creatures of the night. Larten clan had split and had to Malora deal with the crisis as best he could. He changed his clothes regularly, bathed, wiped the sweat from his face when the tremors took command. He made sure he ate and drink enough, she left the window open to let in air cool. He had stopped asking for blood, and even forced him to take some -of other drops of their courts, it is having spent a long time being he spat viales- filling the most. I was not sure if she was or die trying just could not digest blood on his weak condition. Larten looked like a man on his deathbed. He had aged many years. His skin was falling and gray, her nails easily broken, their eyes were red and lifeless. Only his orange hair looked the same as always. Mapping would be proud to see his tincture could resist even the ravages Flu vampires. The last couple of days and nights were particularly difficult. Larten is He had stuck a beating and moaning incessantly, interrupting sleep Malora. He had been awake for six hours. This was the closest I I had been to quit, but even in their weakness, exhausted and irritable, held firm and saw Larten needs before their own. "You'd better appreciate this when he recovers," he muttered, refusing to accept the likelihood that it may not recover. "I hope gifts, good food and great hotels. I will not settle with Greenland. You can forget your ice palace. I will insist that concerned me maybe New York has to offer. " Malora had heard a lot about the wonders of New York, most Daniel. He had never been there but had taken other stories sailors. Larten while lying peacefully snoring and expecting a He seemed to be recovering change your thought on last relapsing famous city, the pleasures he could offer, shops full of trinkets and dresses, bustling streets, bright lights that illuminated the night sky. He is smiling at the thought of being able to relax in this wonderful world, He nodded and was already asleep when Larten moved, got up from the bed and He left the room, moving like a man in a trance.
Screams woke Malora. For a moment he thought it was a nightmare -he had a lot of those lately, but then his head cleared and he He realized that the screams were real. Malora pulled the blankets on the bed and ran. There were no signs of Larten. They were in trouble. I knew instantly. Now the thing was only if he could fix the situation before it got worse. He hurried out of the cab and followed the cries. They came from a passenger compartment down to his, where the other passengers were staying. The woman I was screaming and shouting men. When Malora arrived, some of the crew were already there, they gathered around the open door, looking to something inside. Malora made his way through them, knowing what he would find, trying to think of some way to make the lightest situation of dismiss it as a moment of madness brought by fever. While approached the door, he saw that their fears were well founded. Larten I was inside, hooked to the left arm of Yasmin. Was the mother Yasmin Baby and Larten was feeding her as her son was all days. But he was not interested in milk. It had cut with their claws or teeth, and he was swallowing blood from a much larger wound which any sane vampire would have ever done. "Larten!" Shrieked Malora, trying to overcome the shock. "What are you doing? " He did not answer. His eyes were closed and he was happily drinking, oblivious to the cries of the way Yasmin and the other woman were you pasting, men trying to drag him out. The only knew the blood. While the sailors looked with open mouth, he looked at his Malora around, he saw a bucket of water, took it and sprinkled Larten. The shock of the cold water He did fall. Tried to get up and grab the bucket, but slipped and fell made a bump on the ground. Yasmin ran to her husband and baby and burst among the soldiers, Crazy man wanting to get away as much as possible. Malora knew he had to act fast. "Help me," he snapped two of the crew. "He has some kind of attack. We must take it back to your cab. " The sailors were doubtful An attack could not explain the blood staining his lips and chin but Malora liked them so They rose to almost unconscious Larten and transported to his bed.
Malora followed, talking fast, telling the others behind on the need medicine, asking them to offer their apologies to Yasmin, thinking they would not stop asking questions if kept busy. While the sailors carried Larten through the door of his cabin to his bed, Malora an outside time stood and offered a prayer silent to the gods. It seemed as if they had disappeared. The captain He was coming and looked like a tornado, but was sure that he could out of this. Blame the flu, would you tie up if they wanted Larten to stop him from attacking again. He had not done any real damage. Considering it could have been much worse. And then, as the captain roared to his crew and demanded to know what She was happening, Yes it got worse. "Drink blood!" Someone shouted. The captain and the others fell silent. The sailors who had They left Larten joined the rest of the crew and watched with them to the who had spoken. It was, of course, the young Daniel Abrams. "It's a bloodsucker," said Daniel, enjoying the attention. No thought of talking, but the drama in the cockpit had excited and wanted see more fireworks. "It's some kind of demon." "Do not be ridiculous," snapped Malora. "It's the flu. I did not know what he did. Captain, you must believe me. " And perhaps he would have done, except that it was at that time when a Chaos anxious Daniel made his appearance. "If not a bloodsucker, why you were cutting sailors and bottling its blood at the last stop we did? It was to feed bloodthirsty beast to your teacher! There vials in the cabin, "he said triumphantly the astonished captain. "Look. Find them, I swear, to Unless there until they were sucked clean. " "Daniel!" Shouted Malora. "Why are you doing this? I thought you were my friend. " But Daniel had forgotten his infatuation Malora. He craved bloodshed. The scene with Yasmin had opened his appetite and could not for now, no more than it could when Larten hunger exceeded. Captain Daniel studied, then returned his gaze to Malora. "Go out of the way, he misses. "He nodded to some of the sailors. Malora shook his head. "Captain, no, do not listen to him, it was just ..."
"Miss!" Barked the captain. "You're not listening to me. You have to move now. This is bad for your teacher and if you do not move from there immediately it is bad for you and for all. If we turn it over, I'll let you Free. But if you stand in front of him ... what he did ... "his features hardened. "It is time to decide." The young woman looked from one sailor to another face severe. There was a glow fierce in his eyes. They had taken the same dark greed Daniel. Their friends were gone and I knew there was no point begging for mercy. Not was here now. Malora nodded slowly, accepting what fate had unleashed about her. Unlike Larten, he had no problem choosing your path. No problem. "So be it," he said, gently closing the door not to disturb the unconscious vampire. While sailors clustered around him, silent like a pack of sharks, he puts the palm of one hand on the door and offered a silent farewell to never have a lover opportunity to really love. Then, turning slowly, He faced the crowd closing around him, mocked his wild and bestial hunger, drew a knife and stood.
Chapter Twenty If the crew had stormed the cockpit immediately, not Larten He could have resisted. He had passed out on his bed. It would have been something I simple turn it around, baring her left breast and drive a sharp stake in his heart. But superstition and fear spread among the sailors after Having dealt with Malora. Instead of rushing to finish the cruel work, paused to discuss your situation. And in that pause, the doubts exploded. "He's a vampire," whispered one, explaining to those who did not know what were the vampires. It was a whirlwind of myths, theories and hysteria after that. "It can turn into a bat." "You can go up in smoke and escape." "It's powerful overnight, but weak day. We must wait for the sol. " "A stake through his heart would destroy it." "So could the sunlight." "And the holy water, but we do not have." "If we attack now awake, we will be stronger." "Hopefully." "The daylight will turn to ashes." "Yes, hopefully." "You can not hide from the sun." "Hopefully." "Yes." "Hopefully." Larten was stunned when he woke up. He could have slept happily much more, but something had disturbed him. Crunches, much sharper and audible than the normale, coming from above. As I listened, the sound She was repeated. It was as if the room were trying to separate. While Larten sat, confused, a couple of planks they detached from the ceiling and sunlight pierced the cabin. He shuddered and He turned away from the light. Laughter rang out. "There! It is afraid of the light. Hurry, boys. Once we get out the rest will be finished. It will be ashes for breakfast. "
Larten watched in amazement as a group of sailors removed the roof cabin. They worked as a team of ants. They had broken all tables in minutes and Larten had no shelter. He could not remember much of the night before, but quickly he discovered what had happened. They had discovered his true identity and now they were going to kill him. This was serious. Sunlight does not destroy the moment, but he could not stay exposed for long. I'd have to leave and seek refuge in the bowels of the ship. You could dig somewhere , although it would be almost impossible to keep them out. Still, I had to try. "Malora?" He said hoarsely, even though I knew she was not there. He looked, to be sure, and then sighed with relief. Either because they had captured or she had allied with them to save his own neck. No you matter, as long as it did not sink with it. If this was to be his last, that so, but there was no reason why an innocent child should suffer too. The vampire smiled sadly as the sailors tore the roof pieces. It was better than he had in a long time felt the stomach still warm from the blood of Yasmin, the clearest head the previous days. Ironically, it seemed he was getting better flu once and for all, so at least he could die in a good state of health. Larten washed their hands in a bowl for hands, gargled with glass water and drank the rest. He dusted off his clothes, brushing her hair back, and he blew his nose several times just in case. The vampires did not fear death. Larten had already lived longer than most beings human. This would be a good way to die, hunted and staked by peat. Seba proudly laugh if ever came to the Mountain of the Vampires. "When you gotta go," he had often told Larten and Wester, "Try to go in style!" When the last of the roof was removed with iron bars, is Larten He crouched and then jumped through the hole they had made in the ceiling, landing on the deck like a cat. The sailors shouted in alarm and They staggered away from the vampire released. As they passed a on others, terrified, Larten completely straightened and looked at his torturers, looking majestic despite their dirty clothes, red eyes, and straggly beard.
"Come, then, humans!" He snapped. "I'm Larten Crepsley's clan vampires and do not fear any man. " The sailors stopped, speechless. They did not expect an answer like this. They thought they howl and scream and fight like a rat cornered to the bitter, bloody end. But there he was, tall and straight, without fear of his enemies, challenging them to do their worst. The captain recovered and told Larten with a hook that had kept on his bed for years in case of facing a mutiny. "Cruces!" He barked, six sailors came forward carrying crucifixes. Larten river. Perhaps the clan did not need to Bram Stoker to spread myths silly about the creatures of the night. These humans had accepted the crazy old legends without a novel. The captain frowned. He did not like the way the monster She is laughing. The beast should be shrinking, asking them to forgive her miserable life. The captain was anxious to end the vampire, but first I wanted to see that smile wiped off his face villain. "You think this is funny?" He growled the captain. "I think it's pathetic," said Larten. "You're a monster. A vampire. A servant of the devil himself. " "You know a lot more about the devil than me, sir," replied Larten. He normally I would not have played over time It would have made more sense away and seek refuge del Sol but you were scanning the crowd Malora looking for. Wanted she was sure she was safe before flee. Perhaps curse her as a traitor or act as if he had cheated like the rest, to make them believe that they had been working together. The captain watched Larten looking around and realized what I was looking for. A dark flash of smile played on his lips. "Are you worried about your girl?" He asked innocently. Larten felt a chill in his stomach. "She knew nothing about me, "he said, trying to distance himself from Malora to help her, if that was still possible. "It's just a girl I picked it up and used it. I do not care what they do with her. " "That's good," she whispered the captain. "So you will not be upset when look up and see. "He pointed to the aparejo§§ with your hook.
The rigging a boat is the set of clubs, sticks and rigging and sails that allow you to get in movement drawing air movement that drives it. (Wikipedia)
Larten the last thing I wanted to do was look up. He knew what I expected if I did. But a good vampire never tries to hide from the truth and Larten was trained to face their fears and losses. It was a bright day and his eyes were narrow slits against painful sunlight. But I could see clearly enough candles and wood to they were tied. And he could also see poor one hanging Malora poles, with a piece of rope tied around his neck, lifeless swaying in the breeze and the constant rise and fall of the boat. A cold calm came over Larten Crepsley. Many years ago when was a child, had experienced a similar calm just before murder the man who brutally murdered his best friend. It was as if stay away emotionally from the world. He forgot every rule that he had lived and any moral constraint that had set. At that time it was neither man nor vampire, it was a strength, not It would stop until they have spent. In the factory had only a man to direct his anger. Now he had dozens. And he was glad for it. "They used to call it Mercury," he murmured, smiling blankly. "Hands fastest in the world. " Then the smile faded. His eyes twinkled. And like a portion Deadly mercury attacked.
Chapter Twenty-four Larten sat near the bow. He was holding the baby and He rocked absently. The baby was cooing happily. Hands Larten were wet with blood and red and had liquid catchy filtered through baby blanket, but he or she had not noticed or not you It mattered. I never remember the slaughter details. Fragments would pursue, waking and sleeping, for the rest of his life. The faces would flash in front of he or shine in the theater of your dreams. Would your nails, rough and deadly, opening throats like a stick of butter is involved. Her fingers clutching the skull of a man pushing hard, breaking the bone, sinking into the brain. Sometimes it feels a strange taste in his mouth. Always leave puzzled for a few seconds. Then remember starting to bite the salted toes of a man while he lived, leaving one while, then return to finish the job as a butcher who has been momentarily confused. Captain kept for last, leaving witness the destruction. The expert sailor cried and pleaded for the lives of his men, then the yours. Larten just smiled and pointed to the girl hanging over their heads. In his dreams, sometimes he chasing sailors in the rigging. In reality only three had tried to climb to save themselves, but in nightmares there were hundreds of Larten and masts stretched skyward and more. But no matter how many fled before him, always he ended up killing all before stirring and awakening. The baby gurgled, then began to mourn hunger. Larten waved a times, waiting silence him, but the child was not to be distracted. With a sigh, Larten back on the bow of reluctantly gave and He looked at the cover full of corpses. I knew it would be bad, but this was even worse than he had imagined. So people cut (a bitten, chewed, torn) into pieces. Blood everywhere. Entrails hanging from the ropes of the rigging. Heads driven into spears and hooks. One's eyes were gone, there were two crosses buried deep in the bloody orbits. Larten had seen a lot in his time on the battlefields of the world, but nothing as evil as this. I wanted to mourn, but I could not find tears inside. It would be hypocritical to mourn. No such freedom deserved.
Steeling himself, Larten looked long and hard at the bodies. This was his work. You could blame the flu, but I'd be lying. Malora was He murdered and he was allowed to go wild and collect a terrible revenge. He felt ashamed and disgusted, more than I could express. There was no justification and no way to hide. He He has done this. He had become the monster that those people feared. Paris le He had warned about the dangers of indecision and isolation, but had ignored his advice. This was the result. This was what happened when vampires became ill. Larten made his way through the mess, carrying the baby high up, happy it was too young to understand any of this. Entering the cabin child, found a half full bottle of milk. He is sitting in bed, he landed on his lap and let him eat. It was only when the baby drinking milk eagerly asked Larten What would have happened to the child's mother. When the child was filling Larten toured the boat upside down, praying to find the beautiful Yasmin alive, huddled in a corner. Yes I could return his baby, he would have at least something good in your terrible and shocking day. But Yasmin was not anywhere on board. He found the body another woman, along with the bodies of passengers of the male gender, mixed with the remains of the sailors, but Yasmin should have left the rail, sea preferring death at the hands of the unfortunate vampire. Or someone else had thrown. As the night he died, Larten pray a few times a week, praying the gods to reveal the end of Yasmin. It seemed important, a crucial missing piece of a puzzle. Until we put that piece in place I could never draw a line across such a calamity. But no matter how pray, that memory would always be a mystery to him. What I found during the search was a sealed door. It had been locked from outside. He is missing the key, but Larten Mercury, they He had said, as if using a different name could distance themselves from the guilt was a very simple thing to do. Moments later he pushed the door open, and four pairs of frightened eyes were looking. One of the four was a type of high rank. Larten immediately he understood why he had forgiven this man, even in his murderous rage, I had known I would need someone to drive the boat. Right now, a
Larten not care if he lived or died, but some of it had been thinking about life, even when he was facing death all around. But what about the others? There were two men and the boy, Daniel Abrams. Why he had left these alive? It could not have been for mercy or because the need for the boat I could have saved another man, not a useless boy, if that were the case-. So why ...? The answer came and laughed dryly. He had to keep some live. The deck was flooded blood, but soon would lose and would miss him. He had to assume that They were a long way from the land. I'd probably be in this boat a long time yet. He needs to feed. -agudamente Still laughing now, laughter threatening to become a shout shut the door to the groaning and teary humans, blocked and then cover retired with the baby, to soak your bowels before the pools of blood thicken and souring the sun. Having drunk their fill, Larten retired from sunlight before end burned. He did not care what happens now, but if threw the bloody madness or left to die, the baby would die too. Larten cradled the child under the captain's cabin, holding gently as if it were something precious. Nothing ever compensate his dreadful mistake, but if he could protect this innocent child, that would be less dark mark on his name when he passed from this world pain and shame. He was so far from the gates of Paradise and outside be possible, so redemption was not what he wanted. Just do not I wanted to add anything more to his crimes, even in the large ensemble more things made no real difference. He changed the baby underwear when realized why the child was given He had begun to mourn again. Then he went below deck find more milk and food. They slept in the cabin that night, the baby and tucked between Larten wall. But even if the child sweetly dozing, she was the largest Larten most of the night staring at the ceiling. It was not because he was used to sleep during the day or by the surprisingly deep snoring baby but because after what he had done, he could not face the nightmares they were probably waiting for him.
Shortly after dawn, after feeding the baby again, Larten he returned to the room with the four captives and opened the door. They thought He came to kill them, and shrank against the wall. But simply he stated a finger at the top and said, "You." The sailor crossed himself, murmured a short prayer, then he came out with difficulty cabin. He was sweating and shivering, but otherwise is He said with dignity. Larten blocked the door and led the way to the roof. The face man paled as he glanced around, but did not try to flee. "Can you sail this boat?" He asked wearily Larten. If I had Was the baby, she would have thrown over the side and went to swim with the sharks. But if the child had to live, this should be done. "I'm not a captain," the man said quietly. "If we live, you have to be," replied Larten. "If I had a crew ..." "You do not. Can you handle it the same? " The man checked the rigging and shrugged. "We are not so far from land ... a week cruising, I reckon. I can take if weather Help us. It will cost us get to the dock, but we can get close enough to lower a small boat and row grounded. Yes weather helps. If we run into a storm, we are finishes. " Larten nodded. "Do the best you can. I'll be taking care of child. If you need me, screaming. Do not try to free the other, and do not try kill me. I will listen to and including asleep. If you can bring to the ground, you I'll set you free. " "What about them?" The man said as Larten left. He pointed a trembling finger corpses. "They will rot if left. The stench ... " "The will order later," he promised Larten. "When the sun goes down. That's when It'm more powerful, right? "Smiling, she went inside to play with the baby, leaving the man to steer the boat in the waves of corpses always hungry ocean would soon receive their bloody remains lifeless.
Chapter Twenty-five Feed the baby and prisoners became the pastime Larten. Daniel and sailors were easy to care for, just threw them food and water a few times per day, worse the baby was a different matter. Larten not He had any experience with babies and was surprised by how often I wanted to eat. Keep the child was a happy time job completely. The officer in charge of the ship informed Larten regularly. Larten not He had no interest in your course -not would have cared if they had sailed in circles forever but it was easier to let the man deliver their reports and nod thoughtfully while pretending listen. Larten was starving but waited until I needed bloodthe official said were a day on the coast. Leaving the baby, she went to the locked room and opened the door. Daniel and sailors thought that came to feed them and dragged feet to him with enthusiasm. Vampire still frightened, but had come to believe that did not represent them any harm. Without wishing to alarm, Larten moved quickly, as he had during slaughter. Jumping from one side to another, he launched a strong breath of gas on their faces, gas vampires put humans to sleep. A Once they were unaware drank from each, and then again filling the vials that although he did not know, had cost his life Malora. Daniel was stirred while Larten left. The vampire had breathed on boy to the latter, so Daniel had not been attacked so strongly by the gas and others. Larten did not realize that the boy's eyes flickered, just shut the door and locked it, and then went to feed the baby. Larten spent most of the night on deck, watching the light of the stars as it approached land, thinking about what should do next. Greenland did not know much about, but I knew it was a country covered with ice, sparsely populated. Many quiet places, lonely and relentless in which a vampire could move to another world. You might find a desolate place and let the snow and ice had just with the. An appropriately peaceful end to a vampire who had lost the right to a noble death.
The officer approached the end of the next afternoon, while giving him Larten feed the baby. "Already nearly arrived," he told. "Yes," murmured Larten. "We should reach the port not long after sunset, if the wind It is conducive. " "I'm going to land before that," Larten said. The officer frowned. "To land?" "I will take a barge and get to land alone." "Are you sure?" He asked the officer. "There is not much around this area and climate It is bleak. " "Well," he said shortly Larten. A wave of joy swept to sea. He had tried not to think about it would happen when docked, but every time he did, he saw no way of the vampire allow them to live. They witnessed the slaughter. Surely he could not let them live if he wanted to escape. But now the officer noticed that Larten not care. He would go ashore to die. For the first time in a week, the sailor could face the future with real hope. He was about to mourn relief. "You do care for the child when I leave?" Asked Larten. "Of course. I'll take you home with me. I have six already, so one more will not make a difference. " "Thanks," Larten said softly. "And," he added as the officer returned to helm, "you'll keep away vampires?" The sailor nodded grimly. "Yes sir. Definitely I will. " The official Larten helped to prepare and get the barge. Before leaving, Larten down to the locked room for the last time, to free prisoners. I could have left that job to the officer, but wanted to do it same, so they could go up and see him go to find out for sure that they had nothing to fear from that night. "Come, gentlemen," Larten said as he opened the door. "Your time captivity is over. They are free ... " They stopped amazed, horrified. Daniel Abrams sat on the floor, hands and lips as red with blood as of Larten had been a week ago. The boy He had torn the throats of the men when they were unconscious and drunk as much blood as his stomach had endured. There was even bitten chunks of flesh and he ate.
He was chewing a piece of cheek, pausing to spit blood, when Larten entered. Daniel's face lit up when he saw the crazy vampire, and put standing. "I'm one of you now," he laughed, waving to strip meat Larten like a flag. "You do not have to kill me now. You can take me with you. I'm a bloodsucker too, see? We're the same. " Larten stared at the boy, first with surprise and then with disgust. "Do you think you're like me?" He growled. "Yes," the boy wailed. "They kill and drink blood. Which is the difference? " And the worst thing was that I was right. When you Put them side by the other, there was no real difference. A pair of equal monsters. Larten withdrew from the room, away from the flashing, spitting and bloody young. He glanced to the Murdered sailors, then he ran to deck, where vomited over the rail. Before Daniel Abrams could go up and ask again to travel with him, Larten got into the cabin Captain and took the baby. He had intended to say goodbye to the child, but as he watched his chubby face decided he could not leave it behind. Not a beast like Daniel Abrams lurking. Perhaps they were cut in the same way, but at least Larten not innocent baby food. If Larten him out the ship, the boy was doomed, but die in nature is preferable what would happen if the baby was. Larten he never considered simply kill Daniel. In through its mindless panic, she thought only two options: take the baby or leave to be bled and devoured. Larten warmly wrapped the child and staggered cover the barge. The officer was confused when I saw the wide-eyed vampire with the baby. "What are you doing?" He shouted. "I thought I'd leave." But Larten not listen or respond. Andes that the officer could stop, he untied the ropes and paddled towards the shore ice. The understanding the sailor would come later, when he discovered the young cannibal more later, but for now, he could only stay on deck and look foolishly backed the boat. * Larten continued without pause, his muscles aching, his neck rigidly bent, not looking up. If I had gone in the wrong direction and
lost sight of land, it might have rowed to weaken and die. But the officer had located the barge well and in a short time with the beat land coast and stopped. Larten was dazzled and watched the giant ice sheet It seemed to stretch from one end of the horizon to the other. For a moment he was overwhelmed and thought back to the ship. Then he smiled mysteriously, watching the obstacle by the judge that no vampire, a challenge to meet. Picking it up, Larten tied the silent and trembling baby on her back and He made sure he was safe. Crawling through the high snow to his thigh, laughed madly in the moon and stars while He is rushing in delirious search for his place in the eternal and always cold night.
To be continued ...