"Say that again?" I commanded the kneeling vampire to repeat.

"Yes my lord, I observed the battle as you instructed. The siege was going well, they managed to breach the wall. But then five demons appeared and began decimating the army with fire magic." He reported to the assembled tent.

I was seated on my throne, my daughter to my left and Titus to my right. The captains of the various mercenary companies were loitering about. I don't know why I allowed them in my presence. They just needed to obey me, they didn't need the details.

"The entire group of demons were magic capable? Did you manage to determine what order they were?"

The vampire lowered his gaze, I suspected he was about to deliver news that warranted his head being removed and buried in the ground.

"I did not get a good look my lord, but they must have been third order at least, perhaps a fourth order was leading them?" He tried to paint over his failure, but I suppose I should let him keep his head.

I was running out of people, failure tended to spread if you didn't put in place harsh measures. But if I punished every little thing, I would be absent any servants.

"You never said such demonic forces would be arrayed against us." One of the mercenary captains accused.

He was right of course, I assured them that my betrothed did not have the strength to bring any demonic forces sufficient enough to oppose us. Even if he had a valid point, I couldn't let the disrespect stand.

I turned and glared at the irritating man. He sat back down in due course, looking around at his fellow captains for support. They tried to pretend he didn't exist, they were smarter than him.

"What is the plan then? If I may ask Lord?" Captain Helmut asked, he was more tactful than the rest. He knew when to be deferential to his betters.

I thought it over, tilting my head from side to side. Letting them wait upon my word. It would decide their fate and whether or not we continue the war and they get paid.

The demons were a factor I hadn't considered. I sensed no lies in the report, Wildhold has over five demons to defend it. Demons have always been troublesome, it is why Towmond has stood for over two hundred years. The power of the masters is not something to be taken lightly, even for the duke.

With her forces now clear, this campaign will lengthen beyond the threshold and the duke will take notice. That cannot occur, he is an opponent too formidable to face, even for me.

Leaning back on my throne, I glanced at my daughter. She looked so much like her mother, beauty and grace. I wished she had as much loyalty as her daughter. I shook my head, letting those memories stay where they were, in the past

A decision had to be made and it was up to me to make it. Of course, it was, being surrounded by those of low birth, they tended to require direction. Perhaps I have been too lenient and lending them power beyond their means.

Nodding, I made my decision. Looking around at the assembled captains, I had an idea. I didn't need to do this, but why not?

"I think we should cut our loses and retreat. Regroup and confer with the baron on the next phase." I declared to the assembled captains.

They agreed like the yes-men they were. Not big thinker types, but I suppose they can be of use.

"I will inform the men of the retreat." Captain Helmut said.

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Clicking my tongue and wagging my finger, I gestured for the man to sit. He did, like a good dog. "No, only we shall retreat, your men will die here. Well to be more precise we will convert them into ghouls and zombies and let them loose upon Wildhold." I proclaimed flatly.

The command tent was as silent as the grave. They took longer than I anticipated to reply. "Surely you jest lord." One of the dumber ones said I think I recall him forcing himself on a few village girls of Tormal. How repugnant, to lie with muck-stained villagers only good for replenishing the army.

I glared at the moron and he cowered as expected. "Do I look like a jester to you?" He recoiled, shaking his head in the negative, stuttering like a child being scolded.

I raised my hand to quiet them, they did so, at least they were trainable. "I offer you all a choice, you may die with your men, added to the shambling undead. Or you can be turned into vampires and rule undead." I glanced at each of them, one by one. "The choice is yours."

I waited for their answers, deciding whether or not it would be simpler to kill the lot of them. But as I expected they all agreed to my proposal, sacrificing their men for a chance at immortality. All except, one of course.

"Captain Helmut, you refuse my offer?" I asked the stoic sellsword.

He rose from his chair, and turned to me, drawing his sword from its sheath. "I decline your offer." He spoke with more steel than the rest of them.

"That is unfortunate." I said before springing from my throne.

I traversed the distance instantly and lifted the man from his feet, sinking fangs into his neck before he could raise a sword. A moment later I felt a pressure in my stomach, looking down I found his sword embedded.

"Adorable." I muttered as he dropped to the floor. "Daughter, make sure the captain turns ghoul, toss him in with the others." She nodded eagerly. "Oh and if Erik is alive, go kill him, he will be a problem I'm sure of it." I added, taking into consideration his potential threat.

Pulling the blade from my torso, I turned to give everyone a good look at the closing wound. Brandishing the weapon at each of them, I made sure they knew the consequence of treachery and defiance.

"Now that you have all intelligently, accepted my most gracious offer." I paused, scanning the assembled for any treachery. "Go and gather your men like lambs to the slaughter." With that order, they each ascended and went to fulfil my orders.

"Titus, go and make sure the deed is done." He nodded before following the rest outside.

I sat down on my throne and set the sword to the side. Looking at the small table to my right. I smelled the pitcher and was delighted at the scent. "Virgin, young and female." I grinned, and my daughter spoils me.

Pouring the blood into a nearby gold-encrusted goblet, I took a tentative sip. It was a delectable flavour and soon I fell into relaxation, waiting for my daughter to return.

It only took a short while, I could hear the soldiers scurrying about outside, called by their leaders. Victoria entered through the tent flap and kneeled before me. She didn't do that often, it was generally when she wished to speak her mind.

"Rise daughter and tell me your thoughts." I commanded, gently.

She rose to her feet and sighed. "Is this the best course of action, father?" I knew it was coming, she would have reservations.

"I will admit it is not ideal. But the baron needs a smokescreen to keep the duke off his back, while he mobilies his army. An undead horde will give him just that." I explained, understanding her view.

She likely saw it as inefficient, to create so many undead and simply release them into the wild.

"But what of the people. Surely the baron does not wish for half his barony to be slaughtered?" She asked, far more forceful than normal.

I tried to understand her question and with an enlightened thought, I could see her point. "It will be fine my dear, my new land won't need much of the peasentry to survive. Besides they grow like weeds, so you should pull them, every so often." I explained, sharing a little fatherly wisdom.

"I see, father." She spoke softly, her head bowed, likely ashamed of her questioning me.

I rose from my throne and approached her. "You needn't be ashamed my darling daughter, every child must learn. It is a never ending endeavour." I grinned, exuding a fatherly aura. She nodded, her head still bowed but slowly, tentatively, she met my gaze. "Do not concern yourself with these matters, focus on your assigned tasks."

"Yes, father." She flashed a smile and I could swear my deceased heart jumped.

The parental moment was ruined by the sounds of screaming. The purge had likely started, the gurgling cries of the dying signalled the manufacture of a new army.

The undead will be a perfect tool to keep my betrothed locked in her castle. But it will bring the baron's formidable army to bear. And once the dust settles, I will have my betrothed, my title and new lands to rule.

I turned back to my throne, dismissing my daughter so I could relax with a proper drink and the melodious sounds of the dead and dying.

"It's all coming together rather nicely. Just wait Belus, I will be back for your head. But for now, be my patsy, my old friend." I grinned as I spoke aloud, showing fangs.