Salt spray crashed into Terrill's face. He knew he should move away from the prow of the ship, he should have moved some time ago, when the salt had dried and formed harsh crystals in the crags of his face. Yet he did not. Something inside of him had given up, for lack of better words. After fleeing Qaiviel he only held onto a madman’s plan, on reflection it was clearly nothing more than that, he made a deal with perhaps the oldest Vampire in existence. Why such an ancient and powerful creature would even acknowledge him was known only to the Vampire, yet it was too late to turn away. It was the second he first stepped off that ship.

“Are you dead?” A young, playful voice cut through the next crashing wave.

Terrill mustered enough strength to turn around. Brayko and Preslava, the young Vampire twins, merrily sauntered towards him. Their pale skin, gray hair and piercing green eyes were obviously inhuman but the other sailors and passengers deliberately ignored their presence. Terrill wondered what the people of their destination would think of them. Not that they seemed to care for much other than themselves.

“No.” Terrill felt unimaginably tired from that single word. “Not yet. But it wouldn’t do you any good if we were.”

Brayko, the playful boy of the pair, smiled and nodded thoughtfully. “Not a chance we’d be allowed to just flee. Not with that hanging off your waist.”

Terrill did not wish to be without the Wraith, Zvezdelin. Though only now a black sphere the Wraith could transform into a terrifying creature that was allegedly all but immune to conventional weapons. He also thought it was the only thing keeping the two Vampires from either killing him or fleeing. Probably both. Despite being Vampires the only thing they feared was his benefactor, Dorchick, the First Vampire.

“Seems to be safest to carry it with me.” Terrill tapped the bag. “But… I have never heard him speak.”

“What makes you think Zvezdelin is a man?” Preslava raised a silver brow. “If she has never talked…”

Terrill had quickly realized that she was the smarter of the two. Either that or Brayko put on a clever disguise of a convincing idiot.

“I don’t.” Terrill looked forward once again. “But…”

He did not know what else to say, allowing the crashing of the waves to drown out what little thoughts he still had.

“Frindal!” Brayko held onto the railing next to Terrill, resting his head on the salt stained wood. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here. Do they still dress the same?”

“The same?”

“Well,” Brayko clicked his tongue before opening his mouth. The long, pronounced teeth that signified his vampiric state, gleaned in the light. Something bothered him so he began to idly scratch one. “It’s been that long. So things can change. Did you know that several thousand cycles ago it was women that ruled here? They ruled with an iron fist, and were quite vicious too.”

Preslava nodded, almost wistful in her gaze towards the rapidly approaching coast. "They wore so little too. Just a thin sash around their breasts and a thin curtain to cover their crotch and rear. Oh, they were great. All jiggly and bouncy."

Preslava stuck out her tongue. "When they were young of course. Not when they got fat, or old. Then it was disgusting. But for the most part it was a beautiful time. So much young, soft flesh."

She gave her brother a knowing wink. "Especially when they died so young."

Brayko nodded, lost in some deep memory. Terrill continued to ignore them, looking towards the coast of Frindal. He had passed through a single small port somewhere along the Frindal coast, his memory was little more than an orange and brown blur as he despaired over Lila’s fate. Now, with a measure of clarity, he could take in a good look at the port. A high wall of large sandstone blocks protected the dock, topped with large spires that gleamed in the light. It was an impressive sight but even Terrill knew it was designed for aesthetics rather than defense. Over the gate were large blue and gold stone murals, denoting this as a port belonging to some nameless city that he could not bother to learn.

“You’d think it would cover the entire coast, with how long they’ve had.” Brayko said. “Even though you Humans live such brief lives, stone does not move. A few every day, so what’s their problem? I don’t think they’re that lazy.”

“There have been many wars in Frindal.” Terrill found himself talking to the short Vampire like he would a student. “Between those that live on the coast, and those in the desert. The Nomads. They have a very different lifestyle and culture so it’s not surprising. They are separate in all but name. Being pressed into wars, while those on the coast are spared… What in The Holy Father’s name are you wearing?”

Terrill had not looked at either beyond their striking faces, but now that he was he was deeply troubled. Underneath a light cloak Brayko wore a tight sleeveless shirt and very short shorts. Preslava wore much the same, except hers exposed most of her stomach, flat and devoid of fat and muscle. A small golden piercing hung from her belly button.

“What?” Preslava flicked her hair back. “We like to look good when we’re on the hunt. What’s wrong with that?”

“Hunt?” Terrill could do little more than parrot their words.

“Well…” She looked back to the sailors, still keeping their distance. “We aren’t allowed to feed on the crew. And I don't think you have enough blood in you either.”

“I may be old…”

What am I even suggesting?

“But there’s nothing to say that we can’t defend ourselves.” Preslava twirled around, raising the cloak and pushing out her small rear. Her shorts hugged them very tightly. “So… What do you think? You think that someone’s going to try and attack us?”

Brayko held her sister, pouting with his bottom quivering lip. “Two cute brothers and sisters, lost in such a strange land…” His quivering stopped. “Nothing, huh? Not even a little twitch down there?”

“I can’t react.” Terrill turned away. “Even if I wanted to.”

“But if you weren’t?” Brayko teased.

Terrill tried to continue to ignore him. He had not wished to engage in the desires of the other priests of The Church of the Holy Father, but the parents had delivered a just punishment to him. Even if it was extremely painful and debilitating.

“We could restore it.” Preslava idly said.

“What?”

“Your penis.” She pointed at his crotch, not something someone with a child’s body should say. “It’s not that difficult to restore. What is it? A bit of flesh, nerves and blood vessels. Not the most difficult thing to recreate.”

“We could make it massive too.” Brayko leant against the railing, pulling ever closer to him. “I’m sure you’d love that. You’d be surprised just how many men are so proud of the raw might of their member. Like somehow it makes you a better husband or soldier. Right until you present something even bigger.”

Terrill’s eyes flicked down for the briefest moment.

Brayko shrugged. “Or when you cut it off. Either way. Doesn’t make you anything. But if you want…”

“I will be fine.”

“Maybe when we resurrect this Lila you’ll change your mind.” Preslava stood on the opposite side to Brayko. “You never did tell us if you loved her.”

Terrill did not answer. He simply did not know. He’d asked himself many times but there was no real answer. Leo had to pay for murdering his sister but he was just one man. Over time people would forget about her, and eventually there would be a point where they wouldn’t even care even if they knew. It rattled around his head but there was no stopping it now. He was too far gone. Unless threw himself over the edge. But he was not brave enough for that.

None spoke another word until they reached and made port. Compared to the other ships, theirs was simple and even rather small. The dockworkers gave them a wide berth. Terrill did not see any iconography that heralded their arrival from the Vampire lands but he must have missed something. Perhaps the lack of heraldry was enough. The dock workers were quiet and courteous, working efficiently but never speaking more than was necessary. The twins ensured their cloaks were pulled tight, donned thin face veils so they could talk without revealing their vampiric teeth and bade Terrill to follow.

“Hmm.” Terrill murmured as he reached the stone dock. “Feels strange to be back onto something solid.”

“Don't get too excited." Brayko scurried past him, holding his hands tight behind his back. He spun around on one foot, raising the other high while smiling widely. "We're only here for another ship. This one won't take us to Qaiviel. So…"

A small, cool hand slipped into his. Terrill instinctively tried to pull away but the hold was too strong. Preslava threw him a quizzical brow as she loosened her hold but did not relinquish it.

"It'll be easier for this next part if people think we're your children."

"But the actual difference-"

"Doesn't excite you, I know." Preslava sighed. "I know my foolish brother has tried on many occasions to elicit a response."

"It was worth a try." Brayko slowed until he walked beside Terrill. "But she's right, you know?"

"I am clearly missing something…"

“Dorchik gave us some money.”

Brayko raised his hand for them to stop. A large crate was gently lowered onto the dock. The wood was old and suffering from dry rot and the emblem on the side was odd. Almost vampiric… But it was taken by the careful dock workers all the same.

"But not enough to get to Qaiviel in any reasonable time." Brayko sighed, running a hand through his hair without removing his hood. “Returning a soul to a dead corpse is… Easy enough. But ashes? Very difficult. And the longer it’s been the more difficult it is. So-”

“We need to get to Qaiviel as quickly as possible.” Preslava murmured. “So we need to get some more money.”

“And how do you mean to get that?” Terrill softly sighed. "We have nothing to sell…"

His hand brushed against the small bag resting against his hip. The Wraith remained silent.

“Ourselves, obviously.” Brayko flicked up his cape. “But, in all seriousness, what else do we have to sell?”

“I suppose you could always steal…”

Terrill frowned at his words. Preslava gently squeezed his hand.

“That was your first thought? Not only that, but you told us to steal. Leaving yourself perfectly innocent?” She chuckled, skipping a few idle steps. “Not a bad attempt at getting us to become thieves. Again.”

“Again?”

Preslava nodded. “Once you’ve lived as long as we have, you’ll want to try anything to relieve the boredom.”

Terrill remained silent until they reached true dry land. The Twins breathed a little easier but Terrill felt nothing. Nothing, other than the feeling that someone was watching him. Not the Wraith resting against his hip but something.

We’re a ship carrying people from the Vampire Lands, holding the hand of a scantily clad young girl. Of course they’re going to be looking.

The Dock Workers, the younger and with less weathered skin, were throwing glances at the Twins. For their part they were enjoying the attention.

“Lead on.” Terrill said.

“We need somewhere somewhat busy.” Brayko explained. “Not so much that we’ll be swamped, but enough that we can drag them away without causing a scene.”

“Right…”

The lack of merchant activity along the dock front was a little odd. There was no sign of even fishmongers, something unheard of even in the small, downtrodden coastal hamlets of Qaiviel. Curiously, he could not remember anything of his journey through Frindal towards the Vampire Lands. The Twins spared his concern no mind and ushered them deeper into the city.

No toll was demanded as they passed through the lightly guarded port gates. Perhaps a liberal policy to encourage merchants to visit and trade? Even if it wasn’t a deliberate idea the result was a bustling market overflowing with people and noise. The Frindal men and women wore bright colored clothing, the women all-encompassing shawls and headscarves, deftly moving between the cluttered stalls. Terrill wondered if his life had taken a different path, how he would have performed as a pickpocket. Certainly poorly here. The heavily clothed women did not offer an enticing target and many of the men were equally heavily dressed by subtly brandished small weapons. Not enough to be threatening to the many guards but sufficient to deter a would-be attacker. Such complications did not deter the Twins enthusiasm.

“Ah.” Preslava breathed deep, throwing her hands up to open up her chest. “The smells of Human civilization. True civilization. I cannot get enough of it.”

“Should I presume what I saw at your lands was not civilization?”

Preslava nodded. “Just a poor imitation. Come on, old man.” She gripped his hand tight and pulled. His other hand was grabbed by Brayko. “Let’s get something to eat.”

Terrill could barely follow the Twin’s movements. One moment he was being dragged along, the next they had giant skewers of roasted meat and hardened candy. The moment after that he found a wall behind his back, next to an alleyway with the Twins idly eating before him. Between them they had a small coin purse, only holding copper and silver coins with a small but distinct fresh blood stain.

“You two…” Terrill rubbed his tired, scrunched eyes. “Cannot move that fast. I’m too old for something like that.”

“You did pretty well.” Brayko tore into the meat. His short vampire teeth did not impede his ability to eat. “You haven’t been trampled… Oh. Sister. Looks like we’ve got our first customers. Terrill. Look tired and uninterested. You're our depressed uncle who's tired of taking care of us.”

Terrill wanted to explain that was how he always felt.

Four Frindal men, across the age spectrum, broke from the slowly swarming crowds. Their beards were very well maintained and they carried themselves with some measure of self-importance.

“What are you two doing here?” The oldest asked. His deep voice was what Terrill knew would be alluring to the ladies. Except…

He looked at the small cut coin purse in Brayko’s spare hand. Brayko made no move to hide it, if anything he tried to make it more obvious as he nonchalantly ate his food.

"Where'd you get that, boy?"

The other three's attention had moved to Preslava, also eating her food with one leg raised and her foot tucked behind her rear.

"This?" Brayko smiled as he tossed the purse into the air. "Whatever do you mean, mister? I didn't steal it. I'm not a bad boy."

That elicited a response. Terrill inwardly groaned at what he knew was about to play out.

"Thieves need to be punished." The man adjusted himself. "I don't for a single moment believe that's yours."

Brayko tossed the purse at the man. He was shocked and was very confused.

"I don't think you're that strong, mister." Brayko licked his lips. "Actually, I bet you that I'm stronger than you."

Brayko flexed his thin arms. The four were dubious to say the least.

"So how about it? We have a little… endurance contest, and if we win, you'll let us go. And if you win…" Brayko skipped closer, reaching out and nearly brushing the man's leg. "I guess my sister and I will have no choice but to come with you."

"I bet I can beat all three of you." Preslava said with a hint of disdain. She slipped a thumb underneath the tip of her shorts and pulled down slightly. "At the same time, if you think you're up for it."

Terrill mentally sighed as he watched the four men easily fall for the twins' provocation. No normal children would speak such words to men who were clearly looking for trouble. If they were normal…

"I'll take you up on that." The man smirked. He thought this was the ultimate, easy prize. To a sane person it should have scared him away. "And what about him? Your old man seems really quiet about all this."

Terrill remained silent and unmoving.

"Our uncle hit his head when he was young." Preslava continued with her disdain filled voice. "He barely knows where he is half the time. But it sounds like you're trying to get out of this. Are you scared of us? The two of us dominating you four in ways you couldn't possibly understand?"

Again Terrill thought they would leave, just from the sheer absurdity and confidence of their claims. But it appeared they were thinking with their head. A different one perhaps…

"You're really going to get it, you little-"

"Not here." Preslava shook her head and took the hands of two of the men. “Too many people. How about this alley? It won’t take long. I promise you that.”

Terrill watched in mild disbelief as they all entered the alleyway. He did not know what to feel about the sneers he received from the Frindal men, like he wasn’t able to help them. Zvezdelin remained silent and still throughout.

He peered closer to the alleyway as the moments dragged on. All six were gone. A door lay slightly ajar.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“What am I doing?” Terrill sighed, rubbing his legs and watching the uncaring crowds. “In this place… Lila? What would you do?”

“Do you think she’d actually want to come back?" An elderly scratchy voice spoke from his side. “Forced back into this world, into a monstrosity of a body?”

Terrill snapped his head towards an old woman standing but a few feet away. She was not from Frindal, her skin far too pale, more pale than his, with white stringy hair poking out from her hood. Two milky white eyes stared into his, from deep weathered pits covered in darkened spots and deep creases. Gnarled hands gripped a rough wooden cane to keep herself upright.

“Well?” She asked again.

“Who… Who are you?”

The old woman raised her hand. A tiny flash of green smoke shot out and struck his bag. Zvezdelin’s sphere rattled and shook but could not escape.

“We don’t need that trying to distract us.” The old woman shuffled closer and sat next to him. “Wraiths tend to have a habit of not caring who they kill along the way. And something as powerful as that will have no such regard for the safety of these people."

She waved a gnarled, thin hand at the people perusing the turbulent market. Zvezdelin rattled one last time and fell silent.

“See? He knows how to behave.”

Terrill peered into his bag. Zvezdelin’s black sphere was wrapped in thin lines of green smoke. Whatever it was, it was enough to keep an ethereal being trapped and bound. That was enough to make him very worried.

"How the hell can you do that?"

The old woman chuckled. Some of her teeth were missing, the few that remained were rotting.

"Such words from a man of faith? But I suppose it is true. A witch can do many things. Especially someone like me." The old woman smiled. "Not that I like to boast about myself."

"An actual…" Terrill held his tongue. He was a powerless old man, especially compared to what he felt she was capable of. “What do you want? If you want to speak with the Vampires, they’re back there.”

He nodded towards the alleyway. Nothing had come out, not even a single sound which was a little worrying.

“If I wanted to talk with them, don’t you think I’d talk to them?” She chuckled softly. “But you’ve guessed that already, haven’t you?”

Terrill sighed. Someone in the crowd looked straight at him but gave no sign they could see him.

“Could you get to the point, please?”

The old woman rubbed her thighs with her gnarled fingers. “You need to stop what you’re doing.”

Terrill almost smiled. “If you could deal with himso easily, then killing me should barely be more difficult than breathing.” He looked away. “Not that I haven’t given it a thought…”

“Do you think that it will end well?” She asked. “This little quest of yours-”

“Oh stop it. I’ve thought of everything a thousand times before.” Terrill sighed. “King Leo has to pay for his crime. He's a murderer who killed the best chance for Qaiviel to have something better than a return to… Whatever it is that the stagnation that it has been in since the collapse of the United Empire. Something… Better.” He leant forward, mentally folding in on himself. “Something even I could be proud of.”

“One young girl against generations of tradition and stagnation?”

“She has… Had Knight Orders by her side, ones near the Conflagration, and an army of peasants, woodsman and hunters with her. The people! The actual people, not forced by faith or coin! Just by the sheer fact that they believed she could do something better. At least they survived.”

“Then what?”

“What?”

The old woman shuffled closer. “Say you actually gether back, in who knows what state of mind. What happens next?”

“After Leo is dead?”

“Yes.” She smiled her toothy grin, a sad smile. “Then what? You think that cheeky brat Dorchik is going to let her go?”

“Who are you to call a Vampire like that a brat?”

“He is a brat. Even if he is old. But he’ll have sunk his teeth…” She sighed, suppressing a smile at her joke. “Into her and he won’t let go. You think the people, those lovely woodsman and peasants, aren’t going to be used as fodder for his armies.”

“The people of the Vampire Lands looked relatively well looked after-”

“Relatively? Relatively? That’s what you’re accepting now? After that little speech of wanting something better?”

Terrill sighed. “I’m not going to let some Vampire make her anything that she wasn’t.” He frowned at a niggling thought came to the forefront. “And why do you care? Frindal is far closer to the Vampire Lands, and from what I can tell has never been threatened. Are you being paid by Leo to stop us?”

The old woman stared at him, unblinking.

“No. I would have just killed me while those two…” Terrill waited for any sound of Brayko or Preslava. The alleyway was still silent. “And I know a witch’s service isn’t cheap.”

“The Church of the Holy Father doesn’t consort with witches.” The old woman scoffed. “What a joke. You know that your kind has done some very, very heinous things.”

Terrill did not wish to think of the Stitch Soldiers. A memory he had been glad to push to the deepest recesses of his mind.

“Our savagery does not change anything. Who are you working for?”

The old woman smiled. “That… Would be a very long conversation. Far longer than what little time we have.”

“I still don’t see them. Maybe they have been killed?”

“Unlikely. You should try stabbing them once or twice. You’ll understand they could just carry you without effort.”

“Well.” Terrill sighed. “Why do you care?”

“I don’t care about the people of Qaiviel. Not in the same way you do, but I made a promise. A promise to a dead King that I would see their lands saved. And for a Witch to make a promise to a normal Human is no small feat.”

“The Kar Kingdom? What’s there? Apart from endless fields of monsters and horrific creatures? Have you built a coven in the remains of a once thriving Kingdom? That… That would explain Harold’s obsession with attacking through the Accursed Forest.”

“Not me.” The Old Woman smiled. “My coven, though not as grand as my last, is in Graterious. Safe from you…”

Terrill saw a deep sadness in her face. Not something he would expect from a Witch.

“And safe enough from the retaliation of the Emperor. But his obsession, the little incestuous boy Harold, was an order he received. Not from me, and a convenient excuse for a war. But there is something there. In those dead lands. A little bud of something greater. It is flowering beautifully, even if it is a tiny speck of color amongst the endless nothingness that was left in the collapse of the Kar Kingdom. It could have been trampled by King Harold’s armies, and yours.”

Terrill wished to correct her, but what good would it do.

“But now it would resist. For a time. But that would be enough. Enough to rally allies. Or evacuate. But,” Now she moved uncomfortably close. “How long do you think any city would last against the armies a Vampire could muster?”

“Then just kill me and be done with it. Or kill Dorchik. I don’t understand why you’re not doing either.”

The old woman produced a small stone from a fold of her old, tattered clothes. The very light itself appeared to be absorbed by the dark green stone. Unnatural. But what was anymore?

“I have seen people try to come back. They don’t. Not right. But this, this will-”

“Kill her or control her?”

“Send her away. Forever.” The old woman placed it on his leg. It felt impossibly warm and heavy. “Her soul will never be able to be brought back, and Dorchik will not play with her for all eternity.”

Terrill picked up the stone and held it close to his eye. There was something within the stone. A light that avoided his gaze.

“Why wouldn’t he just get someone else? Just claim that it’s Lila. Or just anyone from a grave?”

“He could.” She smiled. “But having someone she knows involved with the resurrection greatly helps. And you’re the only one in the whole world that fits. Not to mention he has a reputation to uphold. And would you spend so much effort to bring back a peasant girl or a future Queen of a Vampire lead reborn United Empire?”

“Are you serious?”

Terrill finally heard movement from the alleyway. All were returning.

“Very. The United Empire even threatened the Vampires, and would have destroyed them if it weren’t for the Wood Elves. What better form of revenge and to build an entire army? But I’m afraid I’m out of time. Please. Please at least think about what you plan to do.” She gave his leg a pat. “I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

Terrill watched the Old Woman shuffle into the crowd. As they walked past, seemingly not noticing her shuffling form, she began to disappear. Bits and pieces with every pass of a person until she was completely gone.

He held up the gemstone once again as he saw Brayko and Preslava return.

“That was fun.” Brayko’s lips were stained with watery blood. “First time we’ve been able to feed without restraint.”

Preslava’s eyes were distant, lost in a powerful bliss.

“Is she…”

“Hmm? Oh.” Brayko smiled, waving him down before sitting on Terrill’s other side. “She’ll be fine. Always like this after she hasn’t feed in a long time. Just give her a little bit and she’ll be right back to the rude little bitch she usually is.”

Terrill’s eyes flicked to Preslava. She should have heard but she gave no sign. Instead she gently licked her lips, one hand rubbing her stomach with the other her thigh.

“See?” Brayko chuckled. “Oi! You lot. Come on out and show our Uncle what you’ve done.”

Terrill almost jumped when he saw what had become of the Frindal men. They were little more than shambling drained corpses. Skin tight against their bones, eyes sunken and lifeless with blood staining their collars. They moved to Preslava’s side. She looked at them like a satisfied cat.

“W-What?” Terrill gripped his hand containing the stone tight. “What…” He steadied himself. “Should I ask how? And will anyone notice?”

“Don’t see how they won’t.” Brayko shrugged. “That is how they look. But… But they’ll be fun to have around for a bit. Only should be a couple of days before they rot.” He waved one closer and took his withered hand. He cut deep with his finger but no blood flowed. “They can’t make any more blood. So… That’s the end of them. But they’re loyal and strong. More than enough… What’s wrong with Zvezdelin?”

The green smoke still covered the black sphere. Brayko grumbled and ripped the green smoke away. It disintegrated at his touch and the sphere seemed happier to be free from its prison.

“Haven’t seen a Strega Witch for some time. Is that what was keeping us away?”

Terrill felt that hiding the truth was not the best idea. “She hinted that she was keeping the two of you away, not that you were doing… That.”

“Witches are like that.” Brayko began to idly swing his legs back and forth. “Bitch sister’s still out of it. So what did she want?”

“To stop me from resurrecting Lila.”

“Is that all?” Brayko lightly frowned. “I thought it would have been a lot more… Oh well. We need to get going.”

“You’re not worried that she could just arrive here?”

“Nah.” Brayko stood up. “They’re Witches. Not fighters. I’ve taken a few in my lifetime. As has my bitch sister-”

“The hell was that?” Preslava snapped. Her near delirious state was nowhere to be seen. “That came out of your runt mouth?”

Brayko breathed a sigh of relief. “See? She’s back. Now, let’s go get us a ship.”

“But we don’t have any money.” Terrill placed the small gemstone into his pocket as subtly as he could. Brayko and Preslava’s attention were focused on each other. Zvezdelin may still have noticed. “Or did you forget?”

The twin vampires smiled wicked grins, showing off the vampiric teeth with reckless abandon.

“Why do you think we made them like that?” Brayko asked.

---[]---

“Terrible thing to happen.” The Frindal captain muttered, idly counting the gold plates and rings in his hand. Above him the large sails rattled. They desired to be free, to drag their ship into the open waters and away from the Frindal heat. “For those men to rob merchants in broad daylight.”

“Terrible.” Terrill repeated back. The twins held both of his hands, certainly not by his own choice. “I heard they could not be killed by arrows nor bolts and took nearly a dozen men each to kill. Nothing more than husks when they were brought down.”

“Yeah… Yeah…” The captain clearly did not care what Terrill had to say. “All so terrible. I… So why did you want to get to Qaiviel so quickly?”

“A funeral.” Terrill said calmly. “And… Inheritance. Quite a fortune. But we need to arrive before the other family members-”

“I understand.” The Frindal captain tucked the gold into a coin purse.

I gave you more than enough for some change…

“We leave the moment the cargo’s onboard. You’ll have good quarters. Now stay out of our way and we’ll get going sooner.”

Without another word the Frindal Captain walked away to start yelling at his beleaguered crew. Preslava clicked her tongue.

“Ridiculous. The way that man treated you. And for all that gold too.”

“Don’t worry, dear Uncle.” Brayko lightly nudged his side. “We’ll steal it back before we get to Qaiviel. Can’t let the greatest fortune you’ve seen in a long time go to waste.”

Terrill did not really care. There was still a small fortune in his coin purse. The blood had been washed away. For the most part.

"So long as we get there, I don’t care."

Terrill moved to the bow of the ship, looking back towards the Frindal port. The Vampire ship was departing. The dockworkers seemed very relieved to see it go. Otherwise it was calm. Not even the murders and robbery could calm its bustling commerce.

“Well, while you watch the port.” Brayko skipped past. “I’m going to have a chat with the sailors. See what they have to say about Qaiviel, if we have anything to worry about when we arrive. If the Kingdom’s in another civil war then it’ll be so much easier for us.”

Both Terrill and Preslava watched Brayko effortlessly begin to talk with the few idle sailors. They seemed not to care for his current attire, laughing at his jokes and being enthralled with his words.

“So…”

“A funeral…” Preslava spoke with a longing tone. “I wonder if I had one…”

She stared towards the port, gently tapping the wooden railing. As the moments passed, and the tapping continued, Terrill knew she wanted him to ask. And there was literally nothing else to do…

“Did your parents hold one? When you became a Vampire? Or are they ones themselves?"

"Not everyone can become Vampires." Preslava smiled softly. "Otherwise we’d be little more than locusts. Eventually we need to feed. And not everyone is as controlled or disciplined as Dorchik.”

Terrill did not try to remember the things he had seen in the Vampire Lands.

“But your parents?”

Preslava tapped the railing. “I don’t even remember their faces. Neither can Brayko. Can’t remember his either.” She sighed. “We were turned at the same time, not exactly true brother and sisters. But I suppose that makes us siblings. In a way.”

Terrill watched the gentle waves brushing against the hull of the Frindal ship. His hand brushed against the small gemstone given by the Strega Witch.

“My teachings, such as they are, say that the one that creates a Vampire, that… Progeny, is the right term I believe, is somehow loyal and bound to that Vampire."

Preslava laughed. "Maybe in the distant past, when Dorchik was young perhaps, but people don’t like being slaves. Funnily enough. No. But the Vampire that turned us did it as a joke.” She turned around, resting her elbows and back against the railing. “Can you believe it? Just a joke…”

Then she frowned. “Then he made me feed on my parents. And the same for Brayko.”

“I-”

“Oh. Don’t worry.” Preslava’s smile returned. “We killed him. And without silver too. You remember that sheet, right?”

“How could I not? I’m sure the Church would love to know that’s an effective way to kill a Vampire.”

“Well, you can just rip a Vampire apart and keep their parts separated for a couple of cycles. Like, really separate. Everything dries out and they go so crazy being in so many places their mind just kills itself. Oh, and eating them doesn’t work. We tried that too.” She patted her stomach, with no signs of scars or cuts. “Turns out you can’t digest that flesh. Imagine our surprise the next day!”

Terrill shuddered at the mental image. But there was more to what she was saying. Specifically, why she was telling him this. She surely had no real desire to share this information… Unless she was planning something. Preslava’s eyes were focused on Zvezdelin, still hidden in his bag. The Wraith continued to remain silent and still. Silent, and listening.

“I… Can only imagine.” Terrill managed a weak smile. “You must have a lot of wild stories to tell of that little adventure.”

“That we do. But,” She shuffled closer. “I don’t like doing it outside, without just anyone to listen in.”

She, fearing that Terrill did not understand, and pointed at Zvezdelin. Terrill returned a simple, understanding nod.

“Perhaps I should at least search for my, our, room. The Captain made it sound like there was only one for us.”

Preslava looked thoroughly relieved as she rested on the railing once again. “Don’t take too long, you hear? If I get hungry again I might just wander off. And some of these sailors look very plump and juicy.”

Some of the sailors were on the larger size, those not involved with climbing or any of the rigging. Regardless, Terrill made his way to their cabin. It was near the back, unsurprisingly, and surprisingly was rather well furnished. Only two beds but the twins would have to share. Terrill placed the bag onto the nightstand next to a bed that he claimed as his own. He peered inside, Zvezdelin remained a black sphere.

Is it able to transform back? I… I wonder what it would have to say?

“We won’t be long.” Terrill spoke softly. “So just wait, and we’ll be back.”

Zvezdelin remained silent and still. Terrill quickly walked out and shut the door. There was no lock, he did not know of any etiquette held by the sailors but a single Vampire would be more than sufficient to throw them all into the sea. When he returned Preslava was still resting against the railing, trying to ignore an errant sailor who was trying to strike up a conversation with the scantily clad Vampire.

“Look, I’m not interested.” Preslava said calmly, throwing the sailor the vilest look. “And my Uncle is back. So, please leave.”

She gave a dismissive wave of her hand and completely ignored the sailor, now idly inspecting her fingernails. He swore under his breath and stormed away. His feet landed heavily against the wooden deck. He even struck Terrill with his shoulder, his form of revenge against Preslava’s uncle who clearly had ruined his chances with a very young girl.

“Don’t worry about him.” Preslava ran a hand through her hair. “We’ll get rid of him before we reach Qaiviel. So don’t think your shoulder shan’t be avenged.”

“We? Brayko is a part of this?”

“He will be when I explain it all.”

“You…”

“You what?” Preslava spoke uncharacteristically gently.

Terrill’s eyes narrowed. “Seem far too nice. You want me in whatever you’re planning? Right?”

Preslava laughed. “Trying to convince someone to join rather than just threatening. It was never my forte.”

“So… What did you want to say without Dorchik knowing?”

And why do I care?

“Dorchik is an ancient fool.” Preslava clearly had a lot of pent-up emotions she was glad to release. “Focused on this ridiculous notion of an impending war. One that has happened before…” She sighed, shaking her head. “Dementia induced ramblings. Nothing has threatened us other than the United Empire. It’s a ploy to gain strength and power beyond his lands. And he’s using you and Lila to get that.”

“You’re not the first person to mention that.”

“It’s pretty obvious. So, instead of doing that, maybeyou should ensure Lila’s loyalty is to someone more deserving.”

Terrill took a slow breath. “By that, you mean Brayko?”

Preslava’s eyes twitched. She regained her composure. “Well, that was an unexpected way to rattle my thoughts. And yes, I of course mean me.”

“And why would I do that? Lila is… She is the only reason that I have not thrown myself from this railing. And Dorchik hasn’t shown himself to be duplicitous… Well, too badly. He did kill one of his children and used it as a test.”

“Exactly. He killed his own child. And where do you compare to that?”

Terrill did not want to admit that she was right, but she was right. Dorchik, and all the Vampires, were essentially immortal. How could a Human, an old frail man, truly compare to that?

Preslava raised her hand, tapping her food onto the deck. “I understand that it’s a little bit much to take in. We have a very long trip to Qaiviel, so give it some thought. To bring Lila back Dorchik will need all three of us. And… It wouldn’t be too difficult to introduce something at the opportune moment.”

Terrill became acutely aware of the Strega Witches gemstone.

“And Dorchik’s really lazy. Near immortality does that. So even we did cross him, he wouldn’t leave for Qaiviel.” Preslava smiled. “Just need to deal with Zvezdelin. No way that Wraith’s just going to let us get away with it.”

She moved away from the railing. “So? What do you think? Lila back, able to lead Qaiviel for a better future? And you, back in a younger body. We can help with that. No problem.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “I imagine you were quite handsome when you were younger. I’m sure this Lila would be smitten. And I could see it too.”

Before Terrill could respond to Preslava’s obvious lavish and near overbearing praise, she looked at Brayko, waving as he returned to them.

“Did you see that?” Brayko yelled, running towards them with his short legs. “Out in the sea? Did you see it?”

“See what?” Preslava sounded utterly defeated. The warmthwas gone from her voice. “What are you yammering on about? And I haven’t forgotten what you called me.”

“Don’t worry about that!” Brayko tried to wave her down. “Listen. I saw something out at sea. You need to see it.”

He did not wait. Preslava sighed, barely restraining herself while gripping her fists tight. She roughly took Terrill’s hand and pulled him along.

Brayko waited at the rear of the ship, leaning over so hard that he nearly tumbled over the railings and into the sea.

“This had better be good…” Preslava trailed off.

Terrill held his hand to his brow and looked towards the sea. His eyesight wasn’t good anymore but nothing was amiss. An endless stretch of blue, with small cresting waves and the squawks of sea bound birds was all that greeted him. Nothing to elicit such a response from a Vampire.

“Brayko…” Preslava sounded disappointed rather than annoyed.

“I know what I saw.” Brayko pulled himself back from the edge. “Right out there. There was this really, really long ship. No sails or oars. Nothing. But it moved very fast.”

“Perhaps a sea creature?” Terrill offered. “I’ve heard of whales growing very large. Not to mention Leviathans and the creatures that supposedly feed on them. Not that I’ve seen either.”

Brayko scoffed. “It wasn’t one of those overgrown eels. No it was metal. Solid metal. But it was a bit taller than the rest. Not by much and it had something on the side. A symbol I’ve never seen before.”

“If you haven’t seen it before then it must be rare.” Terrill said.

“Right?” Brayko smiled. He glanced around, satisfied no one was watching, and bit into a finger to draw blood. Using the blood droplets as ink he drew a symbol on his hand. “I may not be smart, but I know it’s a military symbol. Too… Well, militaristic to be anything but.”

“Ships float due to displacement.” Preslava did not believe him but tolerated what she was hearing. Moreover she was talking to Terrill. Like a teacher to a student. “The only reason why a ship this large floats, even being made from wood. So it’s entirely possible for someone to create a ship from metal. But not even the Dwarves would do that. Too heavy, too slow to disappear completely while you ran the length of the ship.”

Brayko nodded. He tapped his little feet and held out his palm. Terrill did not recognize the symbol. A jagged vertical sword rested on a circular shield with four lines radiating from the center. Four wings lay behind the sword, trying to lift the sword like a bird taking flight.

“I have never seen anything like it.” Terrill frowned softly. “Well, it might have been the United Empire. Until you drew those wings and that sword anything but straight.”

“I remember them.” Brayko licked his palm, slowly tracing the blood with his tongue. “They were quite a big deal, right?”

“They worried Dorchik.” Preslava smiled. “He might have even interfered and helped the Wood Elves. Not that they would ever admit it.”

Brayko smiled when the last of the blood was gone. “No they wouldn't. Their blood tastes awful, just for your information. But I saw it on the side.”

He pointed to the empty, open sea. “It was there. Right there. And now it’s gone. That’s impossible. But I know what I saw.”

“I don’t think you’re-”

Terrill held Preslava’s shoulder. “Unfortunately we have no way of saying that he did or did not. But it is a very specific thing to claim.”

“I did see it.” Brayko was almost pouting. “I know I’m not crazy.”

“Let’s keep an eye out for it.” Terrill said as shouts began to echo along the ship. The rigging and sails unfurled and the gantry was pulled up. “Along the way. Make sure we’re not being followed.”

“I don’t think it was the Witch.” Brayko held his chin, staring down at his feet in deep thought. “They don’t need a disappearing metal ship to move throughout the world. For all we know she’s already relaxing in Xiam, giggling and cackling that we missed her.”

Brayko swore underneath his breath. “If it was still there then I’d…”

He shook his head and wandered back towards the sailors. It was not but a few breaths later that he was chatting with a rather large and well-built sailor. Preslava sighed.

“He’s easily distracted. Come, Terrill. We’d best find our quarters.” She subtly pointed to his bag. “And somewhere we can talk. In true privacy. And maybe, just maybe, you can make a decision for yourself.”

She smiled, licking her vampiric teeth. “Wouldn’t that be infinitely more exciting than Brayko’s metal ship?”

Terrill could not disagree. Even if the metal ship and its insignia continued to rattle and eat at his thoughts, as did the gifted gemstone in his pocket. Doubt, of many things, was seeping into his mind.