“Why didn’t you kill him? You had the chance while he was distracted with his revenge.” A voice spoke from behind.

I stood deep in the woods, I had just left Erik and two others to viciously torture and kill Sven. This could be interpreted as disobedience, but half my work was done. It seemed only fair to allow some small mercy.

“Didn’t feel right to take that from him.” I answered honestly, turning to face Titus.

The muscular titan of a man stood behind me, smiling slightly like he had a joke lined up. He was being his usual self, at least to me.

“How benevelont of you.” He said cheekily.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. Sometimes the old pit fighter could be annoying. Despite the demeanour he showed to everyone else, the deadly man had a sense of humour.

“You know, you remind me of your mother when you do that.” He grinned at me, like a child and I couldn’t help it, that damn smile was infectious.

“Don’t joke, I’m more like my father, we all know that.” I refuted, adamantly.

“He may have raised you most of your life. But nothing can take away that little bit of your mother, hiding behind all that stoicism.”

I digested his words, and while I didn’t agree with him, perhaps he saw something I didn’t. He was always so perceptive, in combat and without. To refute his words, would be to refute his observational skills. At least that’s how I saw it.

“If you say so.” That was all I could say in return.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“That is fine, even if you don’t see it, I will always.” He added, being a little too dramatic for my tastes.

“Well enough of all that, you do know that after I eliminate Erik, father will permit a visit.” I shifted the topic.

“With your mother? How kind of him.” He spoke without portraying any sense of sarcasm. But I could swear it existed, even if outwardly I saw nothing.

“Do you want to come?” I asked. “She is your sister, I think she would appreciate a visit.” I added.

He paused, thinking over my offer. Frowning intently, I could see the gears of his mind turning. I wondered what he was thinking about, the contents of how he weighed his decisions.

Shaking his head in the negative, he spoke. “No, I don’t think so. Your mother and I have been estranged for years, well before my turning. Besides I wouldn’t want to ruin the rare moment of mother and daughter bonding.”

“Uncle, your being dramatic. Mother has forgiven you, at least I think she has. It’s been years, what could be between you two that can’t be overcome with time?” I wondered aloud, truly puzzled.

It was a mystery that even past queries hadn’t resolved. My mother and her brother had been estranged for a long time. Yet I spent most of my life with him, due to my father employing him regularly.

“Alright uncle, keep your secrets. I have a job to do anyway.” I refocused on the task at hand. “Oh by the way, what orders did father give you?” I asked.

“To whip those new vampires into shape. The mercernary leaders would rise soon and I was to train them.” He explained and I nodded.

“How will you feed them all?” I asked.

“I have that covered, a slave dealer will supply us.” He casually mentioned slavery and I winced.

“Not that slaver from before? The one that tried to sell has children?” I shuddered at the mere thought of that man. He knew what we were and still insisted his stock of children would make for a better price.

“No, we have engaged with a new one. That man of whom you speak, met with an unfortunate end. His stock also vanished from his stores one day. It is a mystery how that all happened.” He explained, shaking his head as if he didn’t know at all.

I grinned, understanding his hidden meaning. Nodding, I turned away from these matters and to the future. Just needed to take two more lives and I could finally see her. It has been so long, but finally, I have an opportunity.