14. The Black Castle
The black walls of the throne room reflected the faint moonlight streaming in through the high windows. Viktor sat on his throne, cold and silent, half hidden in shadows. The Witch Zelda was standing at the foot of the dais.
''….Alpha was spotted near South Warren. I have already sent the Vlarik'', she was saying.
''What of your new experiments? Is there any progress?''.
''I am very near, my lord. I will have them ready within a week. The Vlarik were successful in capturing more of them from the outskirts of Tangaris''.
''Good'', acknowledged Viktor, pleased.
Suddenly, the doors opened with a creak that echoed throughout the dark hall, and in walked a hooded figure. It was a messenger. He removed his hood and bowed to the Emperor.
''My lord'', he started, ''I bring disturbing news. A pirate fleet fast approaches Aregon even as we speak. They will reach Kingsport within a week''.
''A pirate fleet?'', asked Viktor, leaning forward.
''Led by the Pirate Lord himself. There aren't enough forces in Kingsport to stop him. We need the assistance of the Imperial Guard''.
''I see'', said Viktor, thoughtfully. ''Very curious indeed, that he should attack when Hector prepares his forces in the south''.
''How many ships?'', asked Zelda.
''Around five hundred'', replied the messenger.
''So not his whole fleet''.
''But there are enough ships to wipe out the base at Kingsport'', replied the messenger.
''Now is the chance to take back Southfay'', said Zelda.
''The rest of his fleet is in Southfay, under the command of his sister, Alexandra Payne. She is not to be underestimated'', replied the messenger. ''Our best chance is defending Kingsport''.
''Zelda'', called the Emperor. ''Take the remaining forces in Aregon and go to Kingsport''.
''But, my lord'', she objected. ''This might be just a diversion. That lycan is probably up to something''.
''The 'diversion' is more dangerous than the lycans. If we lose our ships in Kingsport, we lose all the islands. We will be crippled without our navy'', snapped the Emperor. ''Leave Hector to me. Europa is still in Cerebrene, trying to control the rebellions. You are the only one left who is powerful enough to face the Pirate Lord. Do as I say!''.
''Yes, my lord'', she said, inclining her head, before she marched out of the hall.
''I will be waiting for you, Scarlett Ironfang'', murmured Viktor, a wicked grin curving his lips.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
After four days of continuous traveling, we finally reached the small town of Appleby. Since there was a good chance of it being watched by the Empire's soldiers, Julian decided to go in alone, while I waited near a clump of trees, a little farther down the road.
We had received the message from Lycaonia, two days back. We were supposed to wait for them at Dorholt, a small village, north of Argent.
Julian returned after sometime with the necessary supplies, and we resumed our journey.
''Any trouble?'', I asked.
''No'', he replied. ''I don't think anyone recognized me''.
We had almost covered a couple of leagues, when we found our way blocked by a river.
''The Misty Run'', sighed Julian.
''How do we cross it?'', I asked.
''We cannot take the main bridge. It is being patrolled by soldiers. We will have to go north. There is an old bridge at the edge of Tangaris''.
We changed course and started north, following the river. The lands were lush with greenery, with clumps of trees here and there.
''How far is the bridge?''.
''Maybe another day's ride'', replied Julian.
We stopped to rest at around midnight. We tethered the horses and let them graze, while Julian prepared some supper for himself. I grabbed the blood skin from my pack and took a long sip.
''I've got the first watch'', said Julian. ''I will wake you in four hours. Go to sleep''.
I nodded, spreading my bedroll on the ground. I slumped down and gazed at the heavens. The night was clear and countless stars shone across the sky. Wisps of mist crept over the slopes. I leaned back against my pack and closed my eyes, listening to the sounds of the night.
We reached the edge of the great forest at sundown. At first, it was just a dark, hazy outline, stretching on towards east as far as an eye could see. I stared in surprise at its vast magnitude. A cool breeze sifted through the huge, ancient trees, washing across my face.
''This is the most dangerous forest in the entire kingdom'', said Julian. ''Those who enter the Tangaris rarely return''.
A small, rundown bridge spanned the river at the edge of the forest. The road looked like it hadn't been used in a long time.
''Do you think it can hold the weight?'', I asked, eyeing the bridge.
''Yes, of course'', replied Julian. ''It was built by the elves. It will last for many years to come''.
I spurred my horse across the bridge. Julian followed behind. The river rushed below us, thundering over the rocky riverbed. The opposite bank was covered with dense trees and shrubbery.
''Do you think we can win?''.
''If there was ever a chance, this is it. Between you and the Alphas, the Emperor does not stand a chance''.
''I hope so'', I muttered.
We traveled through the night, taking very short breaks in between. We had covered almost five leagues by the time the trees started giving way to wide, green plains that stretched towards the horizon, bathed in pale moonlight.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
It had been almost ten days since their small company had set out from the Wolf Capital. They had crossed River Risetta and were making their way towards Dorholt, where they were supposed to meet Scarlett and Julian.
They had stopped to rest under the cover of some trees near Risetta. They could hear the river roaring at a distance.
Ever since they had passed Norwood, she had an uneasy feeling that they were being followed. She was not sure if the rest of them felt the same, but even if they did, they did not show it.
Norman had built a small fire and was roasting a rabbit on a stick. Thelma passed Alice a piece of bread and some meat on a leaf. She thanked her, before starting devouring the food.
The Wolf King was sitting on a boulder nearby, sharpening the blade of his long sword. He looked formidable in his steel armor.
Alice washed down the food with a sip of wine from Norman's wine skin and lay back against her pack, staring at the knotted branches above.
Suddenly, the king tensed. ''Norman, Thelma'', he called, ''be wary. I can sense some strange creatures nearby''.
The two alphas nodded, gazing into the surrounding darkness. Alice sat up straight, her heart pounding. She hoped it was not the Vlarik.
When there was no sign of the creatures, the king said, ''Take some rest. I will take the first watch''.
''But, my lord. We can keep watch''.
The king did not respond, but continued staring into the darkness. The two Alphas leaned back against their packs.
The fire crackled, throwing dancing shadows across the clearing. It was almost midnight and Alice was sound asleep. There was a faint noise and the Wolf King raised his head, listening intently.
Suddenly, a loud croak of a raven broke the silence of the night. Alice woke up with a start and reached for her sword, her heart pounding against her ribs.
She gasped as the cloaked creatures stepped into the light of the fire. They were completely surrounded.
''Surrender to us'', they said in a guttural voice, ''and we will let you live''.
Norman and Thelma had already morphed into werewolves and were snarling at the creatures with bared fangs. The Wolf King stood up and raised his long sword.
''Kill them all'', growled the Wolf King.
There were seven of them, all covered with black cloaks, their shadowy faces hidden in th
e darkness of their ragged hoods, except for their glowing red eyes.
''You leave us no choice'', they said in unison.
Alice backed against an oak tree, her sword raised. Suddenly, they charged, drawing their swords and daggers.
The Wolf King growled in anger and swung his blade, decapitating two of the Vlarik in one fell blow.
Two of them went for Thelma. She snarled and lunged at the first one with her claws flashing. But, even as she took down the creature, the second one thrust its sword into her flank. The werewolf yelped in pain and jumped back, dragging the first creature with her. With a heave, she ripped off its head.
One of them had headed straight for Alice. It swung its blade, but Alice was quick. She parried the blow and thrust back. Her blade pierced its shoulder and black blood poured out. But it did not appear to be affected. It grabbed the blade of her sword with bare hands and reached for her neck with its free hand.
''A little help here!''.
A clawed hand slashed through the air, ripping its head right off, which fell on the forest floor with a dull thud. Standing before her was the Wolf King, black blood dripping from his hand. Alice thanked him and pulled out her sword from the Vlarik's chest.
Norman had ripped his adversary into pieces. Even Thelma had managed to kill the second creature that had attacked her.
''What are those abominations?'', asked Thelma, who had already turned back into her human form and was leaning against a tree.
''Vlarik'', answered Alice. ''They are Zelda's minions. We had encountered two of them in Beachcastle and then later at Westerport''.
''Let's go'', said the Wolf King. ''We cannot waste our time fighting these wretches, if more are on the way. We don't have much time''.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Dorholt was a very small village, primitive and isolated. It had around fifty houses, with thatched roofs. It was surrounded by farmlands, beyond which stretched the empty plains. A paved road led through the village, barred by a gate at the east and west side of the wall.
Dusk was already settling in by the time we reached the village. The gatekeeper pointed us to the only inn in the village.
''That there is the one'', he said, pointing with his pike.
''Thank you'', I said, wincing as his pike nearly gouged my leg as he swung it back.
We spurred our horses towards the two story building, with a sign hanging outside.
We tethered the horses to a post near the gates. As we were about to enter, the door opened and a familiar woman walked out. I recognized her as one of the Alphas.
''Thelma'', acknowledged Julian, nodding at her.
''We have been waiting'', she said.
We followed her inside. The common room was brightly lit by a blazing fire in the hearth. A handful of people sat near the counter. Most of them were villagers.
The Wolf King was sitting at the corner with Norman. They looked sinister in the dancing light.
''Long time, Scar'', said a familiar voice.
I whirled around in surprise and saw Alice standing behind me, with a wide grin on her face.
''You came'', I said in awe, after we had exchanged a hug.
''Yeah, cannot have you out of my sight for long, eh, or you will get into some kind of trouble'', she winked.
''Look who's talking'', I replied, rolling my eyes.
Even though I was happy to see her, I was worried. I did not want her to be danger for my sake.
''It is going to be dangerous, Alice''.
''I can take care of myself, Scar'', she sighed. ''Don't worry about me''.
Julian went directly to the king.
''So you decided to come yourself, my lord''.
''Viktor is very powerful and she will need some help to take him down, and I want to be present when he draws his last breath. Together we will kill that traitor'', he said.
''As you wish, my lord'', said Julian. ''We know how to get into the Black Castle. But we will have to get there by full moon''.
''Good'', replied the Wolf King, his eyes gleaming. ''Rest for now. We leave at the break of dawn''.
The next day, we traveled continuously till noon, stopping only when the horses got tired. After a small, hasty lunch we continued our journey.
Alice was sitting behind me on my horse. Thelma had carried her on her back till Dorholt, since she couldn't keep up with the lycans.
We exchanged stories of our adventures. I was surprised to hear that Ronin was actually the Pirate Lord's brother. That meant he had joined the Imperial Guard as a spy for his brother or maybe he had his own reasons.
''Did you meet the Pirate Lord?'', I asked.
''Yes'', she beamed. ''Did you know he was a hunter?''.
''Really?'', I asked, surprised.
''I saw the mark''.
''I wonder why he became a pirate'', I muttered, thoughtfully.
The land to the south of River Dracburn was covered with tall pine trees. The land was wild and we did not come across any human dwellings.
It was almost midnight when we heard the thunderous sound of rushing water, which meant we had finally reached the river. Now all we had to do was follow it to Aregon.
''This is the river?'', asked Alice.
''I think so'', I replied.
The river was less violent compared to Risetta and the water flowed steadily, its surface unbroken and flat as glass. The opposite bank was clearly visible.
''We will have to cross at the next ford'', said Julian. ''According to Lord Tristan, the entrance can only be seen from the opposite bank''.
We rode alongside the river, till it started to widen. Finally, we forded the river where it was shallow enough to cross.
The land on the other side of the river started to rise into craggy cliffs. I saw a black pinnacle rising above on of the crags at a distance. It was too far for the others to notice.
''Where is tunnel located anyway?'', asked Alice.
''It's on the face of that cliff, where it meets the surface of water, right below the tallest tower of the castle''.
''So it can only be accessed during the full moon?''.
''Yes'', I replied. ''During the spring tide, when the rise and fall of water is very high''.
''You realize tomorrow is the full moon?'', she asked.
''Do not worry. We will be there before the low tide''.
The Black Castle loomed over us, high on the cliff. Its face smooth and impossible to climb. The cliff stretched as far as I could see. It was like a natural wall, strong and impenetrable.
We had tethered the horses in the woods. The loose stones clattered on each other as we walked towards the water.
''Is that the tower?'', asked Thelma, pointing above.
''Yes, that must be it'', said Julian. ''And the passageway is supposed to be somewhere around there'', he said, pointing at the spot, where the water lapped against the sides of the cliff.
''Where is it then? Trusting a vampire!'', scoffed Norman.
''The tide has not started ebbing yet'', sighed Julian.
''We will wait'', said the Wolf King, sitting on a boulder near the edge of the woods.
The sun had already started to set. It was silent and eerie, with only the occasional chirping of birds. Alice was leaning on her pack with her eyes closed.
''There'', gasped Thelma, who was keeping watch near the water. ''I think I can see it''.
She was pointing at a black fissure, that had emerged on the cliff face. It was dark and narrow.
''Julian'', called the Wolf King. ''You and the girl wait here. Keep the horses ready. We will be back soon''.
''No'', said Alice. ''I will come with you''.
''Alice, no'', said Julian. ''We will only slow them down. This not a fight for us''.
She looked like she was going to argue, but seemed to change her mind.
''Fine'', she snapped and slumped back on a patch of grass near the bank.
I looked at her suspiciously. It
was unlike her to give up so easily.
''Alice, I will be back soon. I promise'', I said, going to her. ''Don't do anything stupid'', I warned, trying to read her face. But she kept a passive expression.
''Be careful'', she replied.
I nodded and followed the others. The four of us waded into the water and started swimming towards the dark crevice.
We swam through the fissure in the cliff face. If not for my vampire vision, I wouldn't have been able to see a thing. The walls were slippery, covered with moss and slime.
The actual floor of the tunnel was well below the water level. After a while, the passage started to widen, finally opening into a huge cavern.
''There'', said Thelma, who was at the lead, pointing at a alcove at the far end of the cavern. Her amber eyes glowed in the darkness.
When I finally reached the niche in the wall, I found a foothold in the water, which turned out to be stairs leading down from the alcove. They were submerged in the water, along with most of the cave.
''This is a dead end'', said Norman, looking at the blank wall at the back of the recess.
I walked past him and knocked the wall with the pommel of my sword. It made a hollow sound, which was emphasized by the deadly silence.
''Know it all'', grumbled Norman.
''Get back'', said the Wolf King.
He raised his fist and punched right through the wall, which cracked under the force, and caved in with the next blow.
We clambered up the debris. On the other side were more stairs that led upwards. As we started climbing the stairs, the walls started curving towards the right.
The Wolf King was at the lead, followed by Norman. Thelma and I brought up the rear.
''This is a trap'', said Norman.
''I wasn't aware it made any difference'', I muttered, rolling my eyes.
We were climbing the stairs for almost an hour. Suddenly, Norman stopped and I almost bumped into him.
''What happened?'', asked Thelma.
Her question was answered by a cracking sound, followed by a thunderous crash. We had reached the end of the tunnel, and by the sound of it, the Wolf King had destroyed another wall.
We climbed out into a long dark passage. Its walls were covered with dust and cobwebs.
''Viktor had the Black Castle built on the foundations of the old one. This must be a part of the old castle'', said Julian.
''We have to find a way into the main castle'', said Norman.
''No need'', I answered, pointing at a dozen Vlarik who had just filed into the dark passage, their red eyes blazing in the darkness.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
15. The Final Battle
I drew Shadowfang and charged, a terrible snarl ripping from my throat. One of the creatures stepped forward and swung its blade, but I parried the blow and ripped out its black heart with my hand. It collapsed to the ground, dead.
Before the others could retreat, the two Alphas pounced, ripping and tearing with their claws and fangs.
The confined space proved to be a disadvantage to the Vlarik. Within a few a few minutes, the dark creatures were lying in a black pile of bodies.
We smashed through the door at the end of the passage and found ourselves in a dimly lit corridor. The walls were decorated with intricate carvings and the floor was made of polished marble.
''I knew they were useless. If only you had the chance to meet the new ones'', sighed a gigantic figure leaning against the wall of the corridor.
I recognized the battle axe strapped to his back. It was Ragnor! The same giant who had fought with Stonearm.
''You survived!''.
''Barely'', he chuckled, as he turned to face me. I gasped in shock. His whole body was covered with stitches, even his face. He was gruesomely disfigured.
''I was almost dead, but I was taken to the Witch and she patched me up. Anyway, I have some important work to do'', he said, reaching for his weapon.
The Wolf King growled and lunged past us. As tall as he was, he only came up to the giant's shoulders. He was still in his human form, except for his hands, which were covered with black fur and had razor sharp claws instead of fingers.
''You!''.
The giant swung his axe, but the Wolf King was too fast. He ducked and grabbed the handle, slashing with his claws. The giant howled in pain, clutching his face.
Just when his hold loosened, the Wolf King pulled the weapon free from his hand and kicked him against the wall.
He spun around, swinging the axe in a wide arc, cutting through bone and sinew with a sickening crunch. The giant's severed head fell on the ground with a loud thud, followed by his torso.
I was still gaping in awe when the Wolf King hefted the bloody axe and said, ''Let's go'', stepping past the giant's body, into the passage beyond.
We soon entered a wide hallway, with many side passages. The only light came from the braziers which were fastened to the walls.
''Which way?'', asked Norman.
''Straight'', answered the Wolf King.
Suddenly, one of the doors burst open and more guards poured into the hallway.
''We will take care of them'', said Thelma, looking at the Wolf King. ''Go!''.
We strode past the mob of soldiers, striking anyone who came in our way, leaving the rest to the Alphas.
We made another turn and found ourselves before a set of huge double doors, made from some kind of black wood, decorated with intricate carvings of gods and monsters.
The two vampire guards barely had time to react when they saw us. I lunged at one of them and sank my fangs into his neck. The blood refreshed my senses and filled me with renewed power.
By the time I pushed away the drained corpse, the other guard was already lying dead, in a pool of blood.
The Wolf King placed his hands on the door and pushed. The doors opened with a loud creak that sent shivers down my spine. I could feel an ominous presence nearby.
''Be ready'', warned the Wolf King.
The throne room was huge and cavernous, illuminated by the dancing light of the torches, which were bracketed to the columns.
But their light was not enough to reach the far walls on either side. The ceiling was supported by circular, black pillars that rose into the darkness above, seamlessly melding with the shadows.
At the far end was a stepped dais on which rested a black throne. Sitting on it was the Emperor himself, clad in red armor. A cold laugh escaped through his lips as he leered at us.
''It has been a long time, old friend'', said Viktor, his voice smooth and sharp like steel. ''And you have brought me a present'', he sneered, looking at me.
The Wolf King growled in anger, and hurled the giant's battle axe straight at the Emperor.
My jaw dropped in surprise as the axe dented the empty throne and dropped to the floor with a loud clanging noise that echoed through the hall. Viktor was standing a few paces in front of us, with an amused expression on his face.
''Where are they?!'', I snarled, gripping the handle of my sword.
''Do not worry about them. You will be dead soon''.
The Wolf King drew his long sword and lunged forward, swinging at Viktor, who parried the blow with his gauntlet. The blade barely dented the steel plates.
''So you two have come to kill me'', he chuckled.
He slashed with the steel claws of his gauntlet, to which the Wolf King jumped back and thrust his sword at Viktor's chest. They clashed with tremendous speed, darting around like lightning, giving me no opening to intervene.
The Wolf King was bigger, and his blows were heavier, whereas, Viktor was quicker.
''You betrayed me'', snarled the Wolf King.
''No. We betrayed the Old King'', chuckled Viktor.
As the Wolf King swung his blade, Viktor caught it with his hand and slashed at his wrist, but the Wolf King held on to his blade, even as his gloves soaked with blood.
''Just how weak do you think I am?'', he laughed.
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The Wolf King growled in anger and kicked Viktor's chest. He was thrown back at one of the columns, which cracked under the impact.
I lunged forward, but Viktor was already on his feet. I ducked as he slashed with his claws, driving my sword into his foreleg.
He screamed in agony. I pulled out the blade and jumped out of the way as the Wolf King grabbed his neck and hurled him at another pillar.
As he charged forward, Viktor straightened, a terrible snarl ripping from his throat. He lunged at the Wolf King, feinting an attack and when he raised his sword to parry the blow, Viktor smote his breastplate, which crumpled under the blow.
The Wolf King staggered back, the sword slipping from his hand. A furious growl escaped through his lips.
His hands started growing, sprouting dense black fur and his fingers turned into claws. He raised his head to the ceiling and howled. I flinched as the terrible sound reverberated throughout the hall.
He lunged forward and grabbed Viktor's neck, slamming him against the black pillar. The force of it cracked the stone and sent debris flying in all directions.
''Scarlett! Now!''.
I was ready. I charged forward, my hand tightly gripping Shadowfang. I thrust my sword at Viktor's chest, driving the blade right through his heart. No armor could stop Shadowfang.
As I pulled out the sword, the Emperor stiffened, his whole body going limp. He collapsed to the ground, a shocked expression on his face. I smiled in triumph. It was over!
I looked at the fallen Emperor. Dark red blood poured out of the wound, but he wasn't disintegrating like other vampires did when struck by Shadowfang.
I looked back at the Wolf King and started to ask, ''Why isn't he...''.
''Get back!'', he shouted. His whole body tensed as he braced himself.
I heard a low growl behind me. The sound sent a chill through my spine and I darted towards the shadows.
Viktor slowly began to stir. He opened his eyes, his face contorted with anger and his eyes blazing fiery red.
''Did you really think that I could be killed so easily?'', he rasped.
As he rose to his feet, his armor started falling off and he started to grow. His skin turned leathery gray and from his back, sprouted a set of dark bat like wings.
''I am Viktor Grimm of the Grimoire coven! The first Vampire King'', he roared.
I was rooted to the spot in terror as I looked up at the gigantic monster looming in front of me. It was the same one that had appeared in my dreams. A fearsome growl emanated from between its fangs.
''No....It can't be....'', stammered the Wolf King, his eyes wide with shock. He looked at me and shouted, ''Run! Now!''.
The Wolf King regained his bearings and lunged at the monster, swinging his sword. But it was too fast. It lashed out with its enormous clawed hand and the Wolf King was thrown back with a bone crushing force.
''Now it is your turn to die'', rasped the monster, turning towards me. I wanted to run, but my legs seemed to be out of my control.
Suddenly, one of alphas darted into the hall and launched itself at the monster. But the werewolf was no match for the creature. It grabbed the Alpha midair and snapped its neck, before hurling it aside.
The monster tensed, staring over my head. I heard a loud growl that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I saw a black shadow jump over me. It was a gigantic black werewolf, almost as big as the bat like monster itself. The two monsters from my nightmare!
It was bigger than any werewolf I had ever seen. It reared on its hind legs, baring its dagger like fangs. The hall was filled with loud, terrible snarls and roars as the two monsters charged, snapping and clawing at each other.
I had no place in this fight between two ancient creatures. We had underestimated Viktor. He was more powerful than we had thought.
The werewolf seemed to be losing. I charged into the battle and slashed at the monsters leg. The Vampire creature snarled in rage and clawed at me. But I jumped back just in time.
That was the opening the Wolf King needed. The black werewolf slashed with its claws. The monster staggered back and screamed in pain, clutching its face.
It opened its jaws and growled at the werewolf, showing sharp pointed teeth, dripping with venom. Three red lined ran across it's face, where the Wolf King's claws had pierced the skin.
The werewolf lashed out again, but this time the vampire creature was ready. It ducked the blow and grabbed the Wolf King's shoulders, burying its fangs into the werewolf's neck.
It was all over in a flash. As the lifeless body of the Wolf King collapsed to the floor, a lamenting howl rent the air. An alpha mourning the fall of its king.
''Scarlett....Kalypso...'', he groaned, drawing his last breath.
The bat like creature gave a roar of triumph that reverberated throughout the hall. In its bloodstained hand was the heart of Hector Talbot, the Wolf King of Lycaonia.
The creature started shrinking. I stared at the kneeling humanoid figure, clad in a black ragged robe.
Viktor stood up and turned towards me. His face was disfigured by the three red scars that stretched across his face, a reminder of the grim battle. They were not healing.
''You annoy me to no end'', he snarled, as he lunged at me, ready to kill. ''You die now!''.
As I raised my sword, someone jumped in front of me, driving a sword into his chest.
''Not on my watch!''.
It was Alice!
''Run, Scar! Now!''.
''Nooo!'', I shouted, my eyes widening in fear. Viktor looked at the blade protruding from his chest and snarled.
He grabbed her and sank his fangs into her neck. Alice started convulsing, before going still. Viktor dropped her limp body to the ground, running his tongue over his bloody lips.
''A tasty meal'', sneered Viktor.
I looked in dumb disbelief at my fallen friend. Alice was lying on the ground, her empty eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.
As my mind started to comprehend what had just happened, rage started bubbling up inside me. I gripped Shadowfang tightly in my hand and lunged at Viktor's sneering face.
''I will kill you, you vile monster!'', I shouted, raising my sword, even as Viktor charged towards me.
But before I could drive my sword through his evil face, something heavy crashed into me and I was pulled into a void. I struggled to get free, but I couldn't even move. The grip was too strong and my strength was ebbing away from me.
Tears streaked down my cheek as I lost sight of the throne room and my best friend. Alice was gone!
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
16. A City Beyond The Mountains
The sun was slowly rising, lighting up the vast blue sky. A light breeze rustled through the leaves overhead. The only sound in the woods was the chirping of birds and the gurgle of a stream nearby.
My hands were chained with sunstone shackles. For the first time, I felt truly vulnerable. Tears flowed down my cheeks, as I remembered what had happened in the Black Castle.
Everyone dear to me were captured or dead because of me. It was all my fault. I tried to hold back the sobs as the grief came crashing down on me. Alice was gone!
''Let me go!'', I shouted. ''I have to save her''.
''You can't. She is dead'', said Ronin, who was leaning against a tree.
I refused to believe that Alice was dead. She was all I had left. She had always been my constant companion. I had to get her back no matter what!
''She is not dead!'', I shouted, glaring at him.
''If you say so'', sighed Ronin. ''She saved your life, so don't go throwing it away''.''.
Why did you bring me here?'', I demanded, angrily.
''Because I was asked to''.
''By whom?!''.
At that moment, I heard a rustling sound in the branches above, and a sleek figure dropped down on the forest floor.
It was a young girl. She was slightly taller than me. She was beautiful, with fierce and sharp
features. She had dark hair, streaked with white, which she had tied up in a ponytail. Her eyes were as blue as lightning. She wore a fur overcoat and a silver ornament on her forehead. A sword was slung at her waist.
''Who are you?'', asked Ronin, looking at her suspiciously.
''Artemia frost'', she replied, in a cold voice. ''I have come for Scarlett Ironfang''.
''Where is the hunter?''.
''He had other work'', she replied. ''Here is your payment'', she said, handing him a large bag, which I assumed, was full of gold.
Ronin opened the bag and examined the contents. ''How do I know that you were sent by him?'', he asked, eyeing her with narrowed eyes.
The girl pulled back her furs and showed him the tattoo on her neck. It resembled the letter 'S'.
''I am his apprentice'', she replied.
Ronin looked satisfied. He tossed her the key to my shackles.
''Be careful. The Vlarik are coming for her'', he warned the girl, before disappearing into thin air.
''So, you must me Scarlett Ironfang'', she said, giving me a curious look.
She crouched down beside me and removed my shackles. ''Do not make me regret this''.
I felt my vampire instincts coming back. The thirst was almost unbearable. As soon as I caught her scent, I lost control.
A feral snarl escaped my throat as I lunged at her. But she was quick. In a fraction of that moment, she had me pinned to a tree, her hand clutching my throat. She snarled at me in warning, baring her fangs.
She grabbed a bottle that was strapped to her belt and removed its cork. She released her hold on me, before handing me the bottle. ''Here, drink this''.
I grabbed the bottle and started drinking. Slowly, I felt the thirst fading away and I started regaining control of my senses.
''I am sorry for that'', I apologized.
''Interesting'', she mused, ''Master Silver will be most surprised. A vampire who can feed on vampires''.
''Are you from Atlantis too?'', I asked.
''No'', she replied. ''We have to leave now'', she said, glancing around nervously.
I froze as I caught a strange scent.
''Blast it'', cursed Artemia. ''They are closer than I thought''.
Suddenly, I heard the croak of a raven. It was as if they could sense those dark creatures.
''Is it the Vlarik? We can defeat them'', I said, ''I have fought them before''.
''Not these'', she replied. ''These are different. The Witch has been busy''.
I sensed them closing in from different directions. It was as if the shadows themselves were creeping up on us.
''Run!'', shouted Artemia.
As we started running, I saw a movement with the corner of my eye. A black shadow like creature was closing in on us from the side. Then another. These were as fast as vampires. Artemia cursed and drew her sword, but she did not stop running.
Suddenly, a black dagger shot towards me. I ducked and continued to run. There were more than two. Artemia deflected a dagger with her sword, but she wasn't able to stop the second one which pierced her shoulder.
''Sunstone'', gasped Artemia, as she crashed to the ground and lay still.
I whirled around and snarled. But I was badly outnumbered. There were five of them.
They were nothing like the ones I had encountered in Beachcastle. These were darker and more powerful.
One of them advanced towards me, drawing in a rattling breath. I lunged at the creature, but before I could even touch it, I felt a sharp pain across my back as multiple blades pierced through my leather armor.
I collapsed to the ground and started losing consciousness as all my power drained away from me.
I woke up with a gasp and looked around. We were locked up in a narrow cell. Faint moonlight shone through the barred window that was set high in the wall. My wounds had already healed and I still had my vampire senses.
''So you woke up, huh?''.
Artemia was examining the steel door, looking for a handhold.
''The steel is infused with powdered sunstone'', she muttered.
''Where are we?'', I asked.
''Somewhere near Targantine''.
I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. Whenever my mind was free of thought, I was overcome with sorrow. I brushed off my tears and stared at the wall. Hours passed by as I tried to clear my mind.
Suddenly, Artemia stirred. ''Do you hear that?'', she asked.
I strained my ears, trying to listen. I heard faint sounds of shouting and screaming from outside. We jumped to our feet and backed against the wall, bracing ourselves for an attack.
The door opened with a loud grating noise. Standing in the doorway was a cloaked figure, hooded and masked.
''Follow me''.
It was a woman. She sounded quite young. Artemia looked at me and shrugged. We followed her into the hallway, which was littered with bodies of soldiers. I even saw a couple of fallen Vlarik, in a pool of black blood.
She led us out of the building. It was a small hold adjoining a watchtower. I was able to see the city lights shining faintly at a distance.
''The Morquendi have gone to hunt'', said the woman who had just saved us. ''Run as fast as you can. Do not stop, even to rest. They will be back soon. Go!''.
''Who are you?'', asked Artemia.
''It doesn't matter''.
Artemia nodded and the woman turned towards the city. We started running towards the mountains.
Slowly, the city of Targantine receded behind us. The land started to become drier, filled with rocks and thorny bushes.
''Wait'', I called after her. ''I have to go back to the Black castle. Alice was trying to save me. It is all my fault. I have to get her back''.
''If Viktor has her, then she is as good as dead. There is no way you can defeat Viktor. Don't let her sacrifice go in vain''.
''But I have to. She is like a sister to me'', I said, trying to hold back my tears.
''There is someone who can help you and I will take you to him. But we have to leave now. Those creatures will be back, and we have to be out of here before they do''.
''I want to go back to Lycaonia'', I said.
Lucas and Lucy were my friends and they would surely agree to help me.
''Not now. With their king dead, the Alphas will be at each others throats. You do not want to get caught up in that'', said Artemia. ''Besides, the only one in Lycaonia who had a chance against Viktor is dead''.
She was right. There was no way I could kill that monster, even with the help of Lucas and Lucy. The Wolf King himself had failed. I needed help from someone more powerful. I will avenge you, Alice, I promised.
''Alright'', I said, looking at Artemia. ''Take me to him''.
It was almost a week since we had reached the mountains. We had not even stopped to rest. Artemia's blood bottles were almost empty and we had to survive on mountain animals.
It was difficult for me, but I managed to stay in control of my body, without giving in to the instincts. After another week of continuous traveling through the green valleys, we finally reached our destination.
''Welcome to Crystal Vale'', said Artemia. ''The city beyond the mountains''.
I stared in awe at the beautiful city, nestled in the valley below us. Sunlight glittered off the lake that was situated at the edge of the city, beyond which stretched a great forest.
''Is that where he lives?'', I asked.
''Sometimes. But, he still has not returned from his quest in Eitheon'', replied Artemia. ''I am taking you to someone else. His name is Aries Grissom. He is the founder of the Resistance''.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Acknowledgment
Thanks to the God Almighty, to my family, to all my friends, without whose help, I wouldn't have been able to complete this book.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me and helped me. To Enosh Abhishek Soans for helping me with the grammar and ed
iting.
Thanks to Kat Cortez, to Manja, to Brian for helping me share my novel with as many people as possible. Thanks to Aravind N J, to Enosh Abhishek, to Ajith Roysten, to Ronak, to Karthik. B. K, to Deekshith Shenoy, to Paresh G for being the first ones to read my book.
Thanks to all my favorite artists whose songs inspired me and made me believe that I can be whatever I wanna be, especially Eminem, Tupac, Biggie, Avril Lavigne etc. and super awesome bands like Evanescence, Linkin Park, Against the current etc.
Thanks to all the authors like Rick Riordan, J. R. R. Tolkien, J. K. Rowling, Christopher Paolini, George R. R. Martin etc. because of whom I was inspired me to write.
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