It did not feel as though he had slept long when Alexi woke Artirius. He grabbed a small portion of food and ate quickly. He had dried blood on his body from the previous evening so it did appear as though there was at least a little struggle. Artirius’s arms were bound behind his back and a sack was put over his head.
“Good,” Alexi’s voice seemed overly jovial, “No one will be able to see your face. Let’s just wrap you up in this cloak, now slump over. Good, you don’t look anything like what they will be looking for. Now before we go I want to warn you. Things will not be pleasant where we are going. You will hear and see things that are unnatural to you. Do you understand?”
His voice was a bit muffled, but a clear “Yes” was heard.
“Alright then, let us hope all goes as planned.”
They began to walk. Artirius could not see where he was going so Alexi had to guide them as they went. He gave quiet instructions as they moved through doors and corridors. They soon found themselves on the street. If it were not for the vampires’ presence in the city, birds might have just begun chirping.
As they rounded a corner some voices could be heard ahead. Under his breath Alexi whispered to Artirius, “I apologize in advance.” Then Artirius felt a hard blow to the back as Alexi yelled, “You stupid mule! When I am done with you, you will remember your place.” A sinister snarl rolled off the end of the sentence. Chuckles could be heard from the group which had been talking. Alexi acknowledged them, “Brothers. It is impossible to get good help these days. It is hardly worth the risk of feeding on him. I might catch whatever addles his mind.”
Another round of snickers and pleasantries were passed and the two were on their way again. Once they were out of ear shot Alexi whispered apologetically, “I did not want them questioning us. Are you ok?”
Artirius nodded he was. The blow was strong, but his body could handle great amounts of abuse. It would not even bruise most likely. Other men may have felt their spine snap from the force of such a blow.
Alexi continued after being assured he had done no serious harm, “That is good. We are nearly there, and I do not believe we will have any more interruptions.
Two more turns and they came to the end of an alley. Artirius heard the gate swing open on rusty hinges. A waft of warm death rolled up at them from a passageway below.
“The stairway winds downward. At the bottom we will come to a hallway a few dozen feet long. The door to the catacombs is there. I may have to continue this ruse awhile longer. I may not have time to warn you either, but will take care not to harm you if I must strike you,” he paused. If he had the need to breathe his sigh might have gone unnoticed. “Are you ready?”
Quietly from beneath the hood came the response, “Yes. Let us go into the pit of death and retrieve my friend.”
With that they descended. The cool fall air outside was slowly engulfed by the repugnant warm air below. The smells of various forms of decay, and fresh blood were all around them. An odd dampness could be felt on the skin. Artirius could not see through his hood but the winding staircase was made of metal. The clank of their steps echoed both up into the alley and down below to the bottom of the stairs and into the corridor beyond. The entire passage was lit by torches of some sort, an occasional glow permeated Artirius’s hood, and a slight warmth came from them.
As the echoes of their footsteps grew closer, faint moaning could be heard. Alexi placed his mouth near where Artirius’s ear was, “That is the sound of those being tortured. It will help mask our escape. It will be much louder when we get inside. We are nearly to the bottom of the stairs.”
A few seconds passed and they reached the paved stone floor. Alexi’s shoes made a pronounced clapping sound as he seemed to march forward with some authority. Playing his part Artirius stumbled along like one condemned. It took only a few paces to come to the entrance of the catacombs. Alexi greeted those guarding the door, “I managed to get here before dawn,” he had a very cordial tone, “Is there anywhere I can deal with this one?”
One of the vampires questioned Alexi, “He is a big one, where did you find him?”
Without missing a beat Alexi responded, “Quite a tale. I found this silly barbarian loaf wondering around drunk on a road in a town up north. He has his uses but his stubbornness gets him into trouble. I fear I will end up just killing him one day.”
There was a bit of a pause as the guards conversed. The same vampire responded, “Well, with the sun coming up you will most likely be staying. Grab one of the empty rooms, their doors will be open. Just try and clean up at least a bit for the next person,” the creak of an old wooded door was heard from in front of them, “In you go, oh and by the way, good luck with that one.”
Alexi responded politely, “Thank you, though I do not believe I will need it.”
Artirius and Alexi walked through the door and it closed with a slam behind them. The noise was much louder in here. It was most definitely a place of pain and suffering. The smells of decay were only more noticeable here. As Alexi guided him toward Balic’s cell, he was sure he stepped on a leg and was leaving behind a trail of blood as he walked. There was a squishing noise that was very unsettling. It took only two turns to arrive in the corridor they needed to be in. A few steps later and they found themselves at the door to Balic’s cell.
Alexi looked around to make sure there were no observers. He removed Artirius’s hood and removed the ropes that had bound him. In a hushed tone Alexi instructed Artirius, “I want you to put me through that door hard. On the other side are two fine interrogators working Balic over. The distraction will be to our benefit because they will come to my aid, and not expect any assault from me. You can do this, right?”
Artirius smiled slightly, he was not overly pleased he was bested in the tavern, and felt pay back was in order. “The question you should ask is, ‘Is the door ready?’”
Alexi’s smile was quickly removed from his face as Artirius sought to obliterate the heavy wooden door that was before them. The force of his charge on Alexi was intense. As their masses collided with the door it was as if nothing had even slowed the barbarian. The door was thrown several feet in front of them and Alexi lay sprawled. The dank and poorly lit cell was only 10 feet or so square. Before them Balic was shackled to a wall, dried blood and bruises evident. Artirius was unable to take in much more, because as promised by Alexi the interrogators were no longer interested in the dwarf, but had turned to the wrecking machine that had plowed over their door. Both moved with the unnatural speed that others would not have seen, but Artirius was not others, and he was prepared. As the first aimed a blow at his head Artirius ducked smoothly and raised his mighty fist into the vampires chin. An amazing force echoed through the room as the uppercut sent its target to the ceiling. The vampire fell to the floor, bricks and mortar coming with him.
As the second attacker moved on Artirius, Alexi intervened swiftly and cruelly. He grabbed the interrogator from behind and used his force against him propelling him past Artirius and implanting him in a wall.
The vampires were immobilized due to the sheer ferocity they had endured. Artirius quickly moved to Balic’s side. The dwarf seemed unconscious, but was breathing. Alexi held their belongings on his back. With some care Artirius removed the shackles that held the bloody dwarf. He fell limply into Artirius’s arms. Gingerly he lifted Balic on his shoulder. A silent nod to Alexi signaled the time had come to run. With precise steps and movements they were able to avoid any attention on the way to the entrance. Artirius’s original assumption of stepping on a limb when he first entered the catacomb was confirmed as they passed a deceased man.
At the door Artirius took his place to one side. Alexi knocked loudly. “Help, one of the prisoners has escaped!” he cried out.
An instant later the door flung open. The first guard was incapacitated by a solid blow from the barbarian. As his companion turned to aid him, Alexi dispatched the other. The race began again. The rescuers quickly scaled the stairs and exited thr
ough the squeaky metal gate. In the alley the sun was just barely beginning to show over the tops of buildings. There was no fear of vampires waiting to waylay them now. Without concealing their movements, Artirius and Alexi sprinted the entire way to Alexi’s abode. They encountered only a couple humans, who were a bit surprised at the runners, but raised no alarm.
With a heavy slam, the outer door to the estate was closed and locked. Artirius took a moment to regain his breath. Balic had encumbered him somewhat but not overly so. It was not long before Alexi and Artirius were discussing what was to come next.
“I believe you had best leave by noon at the latest. That will give you enough time to escape through the path below,” Alexi advised.
Artirius nodded in agreement and understanding. “It may also be a decent idea to try and feed Balic, it is hard to tell how long it has been since he has eaten. We can take some time to pack some food as well, to get us at least to the next town. New Rock is only a few days away.”
Alexi returned his own nod this time, “It is a wise decision. I have a few things in the kitchen area. Let’s take your friend to the dining hall and see what can be done.”
Artirius hoisted Balic again as Alexi led the way with their belongings. The entrance courtyard for Alexi’s home was not overly large. In the center was a skylight which at this early hour was not yet letting the rays of light fall upon the large oak tree which filled the center of the room. A simple enough stone walkway circled around it and lead to the interior door which Artirius had seen from the other side earlier that night. Alexi opened the door and turned to the left, heading for the dining hall. Artirius followed closely behind.
Once at the door, Alexi nudged it open and entered setting the bags on the floor near the door. Artirius managed to set Balic in one of the chairs at the table. As he was about to pour some water down the injured dwarf a sinister voice came from near the dwindling fire.
“How wonderful of you Johan, or was it Alexi you went by in these times?” Artirius and Alexi both turned to face the voice. From one of the large chairs a vampire stood and turned to face them.
“Karloff!” Alexi exclaimed in a hushed tone. Clear rage and anger began swelled on the generally calm face of Alexi.
“O do not be so angry young one,” came the heavily accented voice of Karloff. He was adorned in a black suit. A white frill proceeded out of his cuffs and around his color. As an undershirt he wore white also. His face was clean and smooth, cold as death. His black hair was shined and polished almost as much as his shoes. What made it obvious of his true nature though were his eyes. No matter what look was on his face the eyes held depths of horror. He was truly evil.
Karloff continued after a brief pause, “You know I must thank you, cleric,” he snickered slightly, “or should I say excommunicated, I do not know.” After giving Alexi time to grow angry and getting no response Karloff continued. “You see, all these years I was never sure if it was a wise move allowing you to live. I often went decades wondering. I would get in a terrible rage and just ravage and kill, only to remember that you would always be lesser than I. At that point I would just lose myself in pleasure. But no more of my prattling, it is obvious now that my decision was a good one.”
Alexi holding his anger at bay managed to retort, “What nonsense you speak. I have brought you no gift.”
“Ah, but you have. You see, unknown to you, I have kept tabs on you over the many years. I allowed your cute out lashings, as you killed hundreds of our kind. It amused me that you actually thought you were accomplishing something. And now, your meddling and attempts to undermine have landed me this excellent prize, Artirius.”
Alexi showed some surprise now. All the many years he had thought his actions had gone unnoticed. It shocked him to think all along Karloff still tormented him, still tore at what remained of his soul.
After another short pause Karloff continued, “You see from the time you entered this city and returned to your ancestral estate, built by your grandfather as I recall, I was watching you. I put the dwarf in the cell. I knew you would aid the barbarian in the inn. I even arranged for lighter guards in the catacombs and made sure the information got to you. What you intended to do after coming here is beyond me, but none the less those plans are at an end. Now I will personally deliver Artirius to Galmatros, and earn all the favor and glory,” a low laugh rolled out of the vampire. “So again Alexi, I owe you the deepest level of thanks. It pleases me to know I let you live.”
Artirius had kept himself quiet. Karloff had confirmed Alexi’s entire story. It was also evident that Galmatros desired Artirius’s death and that there was no limit to his reach.
Alexi was no longer able to contain himself, “I am also glad you let me live. It allows me the opportunity to finish my work,” holding nothing back Alexi rushed forward and the fight began.
Karloff quickly brushed aside the attack, but did not have time to counter as Alexi rained down a flurry of other blows. The elder vampire waited patiently for his opening and with alarming speed he struck Alexi squarely in the chest. The blow did not topple him because of his unnatural balance, but still slid him hard into the dining table. Artirius rushed quickly to Balic’s side and acted to move him. He felt a solid force holding his left arm in place. Instinctively he turned and threw a powerful right elbow behind him and caught a surprised Karloff off guard. He was thrown across the room and into the solid stone wall.
Artirius ignored Alexi’s continued onslaught and rushed Balic to the small door which Alexi had pointed out as the kitchen. He shouldered it open quickly and found a safe place in front of the cook fire to lay him. Satisfied the room was secure the barbarian rushed back to Alexi’s aid.
As he entered the dining hall an amazing crash was heard as Alexi was slammed through the heavily constructed dining table. Splinters were strewn in all directions. Artirius raised his arm to shield himself from the debris. Karloff loomed over top Alexi, who seemed dazed from the mighty force he had endured. With evil intent in his eyes, Karloff turned to Artirius and, moving with lighting speed, cleared the room in an instant. Artirius narrowly avoided the blows that followed. Unlike his undead opponent, Artirius could tire. It was several grueling minutes of blocks, dodges, counters and retreats before Karloff was able to strike the barbarian. When the blow finally landed it gave Artirius an opportunity to counter as well. It was clear that Karloff was less fazed then Artirius, though Artirius still had much more fight in him.
The two moved towards each other again, just as Alexi was regaining his feet. Soon thereafter he joined the fray as well. It seemed that with a combined effort Artirius and his vampire companion were able to not only hold Karloff at bay, but push him back. They continued to land more and more blows on the older vampire. Gaining confidence they moved faster now. The stern Karloff smiled as they did. For in their fury they now also became more reckless and when the moment came, Karloff struck. Finding an opening in Alexi’s onslaught he landed a solid blow to the face which sent Alexi sprawling to the floor. Turning he landed a mighty punch to Artirius’s ribs. Cartilage crunched and snapped and a few bones were fractured but Artirius closed off the pain and kept his feet. He danced as well as his damaged body allowed, away from blows.
Karloff moved in straight for the barbarian. Artirius prepared for the attack but at the last second the vampire side stepped and in a single fluent motion grabbed a heavy dining chair and brought if down on top of Artirius catching him both on his head and his back. Blood sprayed out of his wounds as Artirius crashed to the floor.
With a sneer on his face, Karloff turned to inspect Alexi. He managed to turn just in time to meet a heavy fist. Karloff found himself hitting the wall yet again, but this time with enough force to crack it. A slightly dazed Karloff was able to raise a guard to intercept Alexi’s next blow, though not very effectively. Again and again Alexi pummeled Karloff, but somehow the elder vampire kept his feet. Blow by blow Karloff regained his confidence. Finally, Alexi threw a punch
which Karloff intercepted. With a quick twist of Alexi’s wrist and a sharp head butt, the fight swayed back to his favor.
Alexi was unable to stop him. Karloff landed blow after blow forcing him back toward the center of the room. As he attempted one last feeble block, Karloff struck through it and Alexi crashed to the ground immobilized. Karloff took a brief moment to savor his victory smiling and maniacally laughing. He stooped down and found a solid stake of wood and clutched it in his hand. He looked down at the battered Alexi, whose eyes were slightly cracked open.
“Now, Alexi, I will finish the fight that started over three centuries ago. It was not even all that far from here. One last time I must thank you so much for your gift. Goodbye.” Karloff lifted his arm into the air. He threw his weight forward to strike, but he was stopped.
If Karloff had been sensitive to pain he would have felt a near searing heat on his arm. The grip which had stopped his arm from moving forward was tight as steel. As Karloff turned he saw Artirius. He saw as his body steamed and his eyes seemed to turn to a dark reddish golden color. He saw the wounds on his body stop bleeding all together. Artirius had allowed himself to fall into the barbarian’s rage.
“You wanted this great fight, not knowing what you sought. You think I am a gift, but I am not. Today you will be sent away from the world back to the abyssal planes, to the realm of scum, like you.”
Karloff struggled but was unable to break the grip of his captor. Artirius raised his great fist and struck Karloff squarely in the chest. The force was so incredible it was as if Karloff had been shot out of an enormous bow. He crashed into the fireplace which imploded on him.
Artirius paced slowly to the fireplace, stopping near the rubble. Suddenly a hand reached out from beneath and pulled hard on his leg. It slid forward a few inches. Like a sledge hammer Artirius’s great fist came down and crushed all the bones in the arm which protruded from the rock. Then with his great strength, Artirius reached into the heart of the collapse and from it pulled the severely battered Karloff.
Using his remaining arm, Karloff swung at Artirius. Artirius merely batted the blow away. Karloff swung again. This time Artirius caught the arm behind the swing and, looking directly into Karloff’s eyes, Artirius snapped it as if it were a twig. Fear was all that was left in Karloff. He trembled as Artirius heaved him into the wall. Karloff had been thrown so solidly his body had made an imprint before it fell to the ground. Artirius kicked him and, as if he were nothing more than a rag doll, Karloff flailed through the air landing in the middle of the room.
Alexi was just stumbling to his feet. Reaching down he grabbed the very stake which only moments ago had been meant for his own heart. He looked down at the mangled body of his arch nemesis. From over his shoulder Artirius spoke, his tone deep, powerful, and deadly calm.
“Before Alexi sends you on your way, I have a message for you to give to Galmatros, as I am sure you will be heading to the abyssal plane. Tell him if he wants me not to worry, because I am coming for him, and he will have me soon enough.”
Alexi catching his queue looked down at Karloff, “It looks like you lost,” then accurately and truly the stake was plunged into the elder vampire’s heart.
Karloff let out a blood curdling screech as his body crumbled away to ash with a burst of fire and smoke. The evil being was no more. Faintly in the distance many voices in pain could be heard crying out in the city. A master had died and his children mourned.
Alexi turned to Artirius to smile, but the look turned to shock as Artirius struggled to keep his balance and at last fell to his hands and knees. The vampire was immediately at his side, aiding him to one of the remaining chairs, “Are you all right Artirius?”
Slowly he nodded; much of the color had left his face. He choked out a request for some water, which Alexi fetched from the kitchen. Once his thirst was sated, Artirius spoke, “Amongst my people the rage is a common tool used in combat. You are heightened to a level far beyond what are regularly capable of in all aspects. For the rest of my people, this is only a limited increase. They are winded afterwards, but no more than a heavy run. Unlike them, I have no limit. The harder I push the more I seem to have to give. The problem is the cost. I seldom use the rage, because of it. As you can see I used more today than I should have. I nearly lost consciousness.”
Alexi had a solemn look on his face, but was relieved to realize Artirius was all right. “Rest now, I will arrange food and see to Balic. I will come to feed you in a little while. By noon, if you are able, you will need to leave. The sun is the only thing keeping his children at bay. They may even send mules, which I will be able to deny, but come nightfall, there will be no stopping them.”
Artirius gave a small tip of his chin, closed his eyes, and rested.
It was a few hours later when Artirius opened his eyes. He was very sore. He tested his side and was relieved the breaks were not serious. His cuts had scabbed over nicely and the rage had sealed any that may have been serious. All in all he was lucky, though even with his body’s naturally accelerated healing, his ribs would not be perfect for at least a week.
He now took time to view the room. It was chaotic at best. Everything was damaged and out of sorts. The fireplace lay in ruins, the animal head now only a lonely figure on the wall. Most of the wall opposite the entrance to the dining hall had been damaged. A crater still held the image of the now dead Karloff.
Alexi was nowhere to be seen, though this did not overly worry Artirius. Artirius tested his legs and stood. A moment of dizziness came and went. Then he was off to the kitchen. As he expected the vampire was waiting, and Balic was now conscious.
“Tis about time you join us,” the dwarf saved him no time, “we were wondering if you would ever stop being lazy so we could get on our way.” Balic’s body showed the wear of his torture, but his spirit was not damaged, that lightened Artirius’s heart. He chuckled.
“I am glad you still have your wit about you, I was worried you had gone daft getting captured by those vampires.”
Balic snorted, “Bah, the vermin caught me unawares while I slept. Then they thought to tickle me to death in that little bed chamber under the ground. Needless to say I feel rather rested and am ready to be on my way.”
Alexi nodded to Artirius and handed him some food, “Eat quickly. I will take you to the path shortly. Luckily no one has come to inquire about the happening here. I suspect they are collaborating between themselves via their mules. It is to our advantage for it slows them to action.”
Artirius acknowledged the information and quickly ate his food. A few moments later Balic and Artirius were both on their feet with their packs on their backs. Artirius once again carried his great hammer. Alexi ushered them down to the dungeon, and into a cell on their left. Moving a few stones about and turning a hidden crank revealed a passage cloaked in darkness.
“This is where we part, friends,” Alexi handed them each a torch, “This will take you several miles out of town. You will find yourselves in a secluded cavern. Follow the small natural stream and it will lead you to the entrance which has intentionally been left covered in brush. If you move quickly, by nightfall you should arrive at an abbey. You will be safe there until morning, and from there you can make your plans. Good luck.”
Artirius clasped and shook Alexi’s arm, “My thanks friend. Will you be fine here?”
“Of course, with a change of clothes and a surprising story of how the great barbarian ravaged my home and killed my guest Karloff as he tore off into the city with his dwarf friend, I will be able to sway them, I believe.”
Then with one last nod goodbye, the adventures turned to the darkness of the tunnel and began their trek anew.
Epilogue