The bolt slammed into the vampire's back. It hissed and turned to face Tealas, fangs bared and eyes glowing a fiery red. With a growl, it charged the hunter. Tealas threw the crossbow aside and lifted the sun-symbol, shouting the prayer for light out loud. The medallion flared with sudden brightness and the vampire screamed. Smoke rose from its face and chest. Covering its face with its hands, it ducked and swerved to the side to get away from the light.

Tealas drew his sword with a metallic ringing and ran after the creature, swinging at it. The vampire cursed the hunter and jumped at him, its mouth gaping and ready to bite. Tealas hastily brought the sword up, striking the vampire's outstretched arm. The sword connected with a jarring hit, scraping against bones. The vampire roared, held its arm and turned to flee.

It rushed straight at Odefin who stood ready with his axe. As the vampire closed in, Odefin swung the heavy weapon and hit it in the side at the same time as the vampire punched him in the chest to get past.

The monster stumbled sideways with a choked wheeze, blood gushing from its wounded side. Odefin fell and landed on his back with a grunt. The vampire steadied itself against a wall and cursed at the hunters. Lifting its undamaged arm, it threw something at Tealas. He ducked, barely avoiding getting hit. The ringing of metal as the object hit a wall told him it had been a knife.

Snarling, Tealas charged the vampire again. The creature jumped straight up, grabbed a windowsill with one hand, kicked off against the wall, and flew over the hunter's head. As soon as the vampire touched the ground, it started running unsteadily down the street.

Odefin shouted and a beam of light hit the creature in the back. It howled in pain and ducked around a corner. They ran after it. Lifting his axe, Odefin threw it after the fleeing figure. It spun through the air and hit the vampire in the back, close to the hip. The monster fell with a shriek to the ground. They were upon it in seconds.

Tealas kicked the vampire around, put his boot on its chest and posed his sword above the creature's throat, ready to plunge it in. The vampire groaned and bared its fangs at him, eyes glowing in its burned face. Odefin came up to them just as the vampire wrenched Tealas foot away from it, causing the hunter to stumble and miss. Odefin snatched the axe from the ground and raised it as Tealas took a swift step back from it. The vampire struggled to get up as the axe descended upon it and cleaved its head right off its shoulders.

The body slumped back down as the head landed with a wet thud and rolled some way down the street. The hunters stood still, panting in the dark, the only sounds that of rain pattering on the ground and thunder rolling above. The creature's dark blood spread and washed away in the rain. Uli peeked around the corner and gasped at the scene. Odefin wasted no time and removed one of the sharpened stakes he always carried and placed it over the vampire's heart. Using the back of his axe as a hammer, he beat it in. Better safe than sorry. Tealas went over to the head and lifted it by the hair, his lips curled in disgust as he studied the burned face of the vampire.

´It's not it,` he said after a while, his voice laced with disappointment.

´What?` Odefin looked up.

´It's not the elf,` Tealas said grimly and held up the head for him to see. It was a human. It had long dark hair, but that was where the likeness ended. It wasn't dark enough, nor was it an elf. But it had been a vampire, and that was a small comfort.

´Well,` Odefin sighed, ´at least the guard's been avenged, and this one can't kill anyone else.`

Tealas nodded and placed the head beside the body, then wiped his hands off on his breeches. Uli dared to come up to them then, pale and wide-eyed, clasping his bleeding arm with his other hand.

´Are you alright?` Odefin asked.

The guard nodded and stared at the severed head. ´Is he dead?`

´It's not moving,` Tealas said quietly and poked the body with his boot.

The guard shuddered. ´It?`

´It's a monster, not a person,` Tealas grumbled. ´You should hurry and tell the others. We need a wagon to get this out of here. We need to burn it as soon as possible.`

´Burn him?` Uli said weakly.

´Yes. To be sure it won't come back again.` Tealas stared at the dead vampire, his disappointment growing. Normally, he'd be satisfied that he had rid the world of another dark creature. But this time the bitter taste of failure made it a pale victory. And burning it would be hard in this weather as well, he thought.

Odefin cleaned his axe off in a stream of water falling from a roof, and Tealas did the same with his sword. Then he tried to dry it off, but it was hopeless in the downpour. Quickly giving up, he sheathed it anyway. He picked up the crossbow from the ground and attached it to his back. Odefin leaned back against a wall and stood there panting for a while.

´Are you alright?` Tealas asked, remembering the hit he'd taken.

Odefin nodded and patted his chestplate. ´He hit me square in the chest, but I'm fine. It's a good thing I have better armour than you.` He grinned, white teeth gleaming between his dark mustache and beard.

Tealas smiled and patted him on the shoulder. ´Don't take too many hits. I don't want you to break.`

Odefin huffed. ´As if. You're the weak one, remember.`

They both laughed for a moment, then their smiles faded as they stood in the rain and fog, waiting for the city guards to come with a wagon to remove the bodies from the street.

* * * * *

Glissai and Brandal sat on their knees in front of their Master, flinching as he roared at them. They had assumed the rogue was dead but it seemed he wasn't, and the hunters had now got one of their own in their search for the darkelf.

´I am very disappointed in you two,` Ulcaras Thilden said through clenched teeth. ´They got Taasaw tonight, and that's on you! You were supposed to get rid of the rogue so the hunters would leave us alone,` he snarled.

´We didn't know –` Brandal tried to excuse them but was interrupted by a backhanded blow to his face. He fell to the floor, gasping with pain. Slowly sitting back up again, he wiped blood from a broken lip.

´Don't talk back to me,` Ulcaras said darkly. Brandal looked down to the floorboards, fear keeping his temper in check. ´Now, you tell me how to get rid of the hunters. Because they'll know there's a clan here now.`

´They're only two, Master,` Glissai dared to say, glancing up at their clan leader.

´Only two,` he repeated slowly.

She nodded, her green eyes wide with fear.

´Only two vampire hunters, the entire city guard, and several Eldon patrols,` he added in a strained voice, his hands in fists by his side.

She flinched at his words but still opened her mouth to protest. ´It's not –`

´Not what?` he snapped, his blue eyes blazing.

She gritted her teeth at his tone. ´It's not the entire city guard, Master,` she mumbled.

The silence in the room was deafening as Ulcaras stared at her, jaws working, his red beard bristling.

Barely daring to blink, she stared at the floorboards.´I'm sorry...`

´No. But you will be if this isn't resolved quickly.` His words were delivered in a low hiss.

´We'll get him, Master,` Brandal spoke up again. ´We'll find him and kill him.`

Ulcaras turned to look at the young man, his eyes narrowed into slits. ´Do you honestly think the hunters will be happy and stop hunting us if you do? Now that they know we are here too?` He shook his head and turned his back on them. ´You are an idiot, Brandal.`

The other vampires in the room sat by tables or leaned against the walls further back, watching with interest the scene playing out before them. Some whispered together and a few sneered at them.

Glissai was ashamed and angry, she hated to be embarrassed in front of others like this. ´We'll have to kill them too,` she said quietly.

Ulcaras spun back on her, his red hair flying around his face.

´Yes, we have to. And do you realize how many we might lose in such a fight? Unless we flee or hide until they give up,` he said. ´And that might take months. Months of starving, running, and hiding. Is that what you want?`

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They both shook their heads.

´No,` Ulcaras said quietly. ´No, you're going to find the rogue and kill him. Then we deal with the hunters together.` He glared at them, teeth clenched and jaws working. They didn't dare respond but sat looking at the floor, nodding at his words.

´Now go.` He picked up a wine glass. ´Go. NOW!` he roared when they didn't move fast enough and threw the glass at them. It splintered on the floor between them as they scrambled up and bolted towards the door, sprinkling the floor with shining glass pieces. The door slammed behind them, cutting off a few laughs from the remaining vampires.

* * * * *

The thieves searched fruitlessly in the rain and fog. Going up and down the narrow streets of Jaris, wet and cold in the ceaseless rain for days. The elf seemed to have vanished entirely, and no matter where they asked or looked, nobody had seen or heard anything.

Sern was desperate, afraid he had lost his friend for good. Maybe the vampire hunters hadn't got him. But they might have hurt him so badly he'd died from the wounds down in the dark sewers. Or he had been killed by someone else as he attacked, hungry and out of his mind. It had been six days now, Sern thought miserably. Shuddering and coughing in the wet weather, he sloshed down yet another street in the dark, annoyed at the sore feeling in his throat. He was tired of being wet and cold, and tired of worrying. Where had Ranloo gone? He'd even sneaked back to the old temple and Sea Serpent Inn to check if Ranloo had hidden there but to no avail. He was gone. Vanished like fog in the sun.

Frustrated, Sern kept going, looking for hiding places that might be good for a vampire when he heard soft rhythmic splashing behind him. Without stopping, he rounded the nearest corner, glancing over his shoulder as he turned. A dark hooded figure walked with determined steps towards him, a sword hanging from his belt. A trickle of fear ran down Sern's spine as he met the stranger's eyes for a second before he was hidden behind the corner. Sern decided to trust his instincts and set off running.

Soon, rapid footsteps splashed behind him. He was followed. Throwing a quick glance over his shoulder, he saw the man running after him. In a panic, Sern lengthened his steps and ran as fast as he could, turning this way and that, dashing through narrow alleys and crossing open streets. His lungs burned with every breath and he was too hot, sweating in the rain. He felt slow and dizzy. The steps closed in behind him.

With every ounce of his strength, he forced his legs to move faster. Then, a sharp tug on his cloak caused him to skid over the slippery cobbles, falling onto his back. For a moment he lay stunned in the street, panting hard to catch his breath, his back stinging.

Half-blinded by the rain, he saw a tall figure reach down, grab his tunic and hoist him back up on his feet. Sern tried to pull away, but the man had a good grip on him and forced him back against a wall. The cold wood of the house pressed against his back as the man tried to keep him still. Sern pushed him in the chest and kicked him in the shins, squirming in his grasp. It worked. The man jerked his leg back and yelled curses at Sern as he darted away, but was soon on his heels again. Desperately trying to dodge his reaching hands, Sern was too slow and got grabbed once more. This time, the man's strong arm circled around his neck and the sharp point of a knife poked into his back. He stiffened and raised his hands, trying to breathe. His thoughts raced, what did this man want? Was he going to kidnap him? Or rob him? That didn't make sense. Sern wasn't exactly dressed in a way that would give people the idea he had money.

´That's right,` the man said in his ear, panting after the run. ´You're coming with me now.`

´What d'you want?` Sern asked, hating the faint quiver in his voice.

´I need your help.`

Sern didn't understand what he meant. He was clearly out of his mind. Sern tried to look at the man, but the arm tightened around his neck until Sern could barely breathe. A coughing fit made him almost strangle himself.

´Down,` the man said hoarsely in Sern's ear, as soon as he stopped coughing.

´What?` he wheezed.

Instead of replying the man forced him to his knees and he understood. The man let go but kept the knife against his neck.

´You make a move and you die,` he threatened. ´Give me your hands.`

Horrified, Sern tensed. Was this a slave trader? But he didn't dare disobey. He put his hands behind his back, looking down the street in the hope of seeing his friends, or anyone really. This wasn't going as planned at all.

´Why're you doin' this?` he asked as the man bound his hands roughly.

He jerked Sern back up on his feet and pushed him in front, poking him in the back with the knife again. ´Move. But don't try to run.`

Gulping, Sern started walking. His lungs ached and he had trouble breathing. He'd been out in the rain too much, he thought and looked for escape routes, though it felt futile. The man had kept up with him even without his hands bound. The knife poked him painfully in the back and he hurried his steps.

´Keep walking, and look down in the street. I know what you're doing,` the man growled. ´Turn right here,` he added as they came to a crossing.

Sern turned, but glanced to the sides, trying to see anyone, or anything, that might help him escape. ´Why me?` he asked, but only got shoved in the back for an answer. ´Please, at least tell me where we're goin'?`

´No. Shut up and walk,` the man snapped.

Sern did as he was told, panic squeezing his insides. What did he want? Was he going to kill him, or something worse? Sern could think of many things worse than death. He shuddered and wished he didn't have such vivid imagination.

They walked for some time through the dark, empty streets. The rain kept falling and Sern shivered with cold and fear. He didn't know how to get away but running was out of the question. Yelling for help might work. But then again, who would help him? There were no people in the street, and even if there were, they might not want to help a stranger. He kept glancing to the sides, trying to work out a plan as they walked. But the only thing he could think of was running, and that hadn't worked very well against this man. He was tall and fast, and much stronger than Sern. On top of that, he didn't feel very well. The cold rain hurt on his skin, like needles of ice, he shivered uncontrollably, and his eyes stung.

They turned around another corner and entered a wide main street. Some way ahead, Sern spotted five people. Two ladies in colourful dresses and coats, and three men, armed and well dressed. Proper people, he thought hopefully. A desperate plan emerged, relying on these proper looking people's decency. He hoped he wouldn't regret it, took a deep breath and bolted forward, yelling at the top of his lungs.

´Help! Help me! He's is tryin' t' kidnap me! Help!` He ran towards the group and they immediately stopped and turned around.

The man followed close behind, cursing loudly. ´Stop him! He's a thief!` he roared.

´No! He's lyin'. He's tryin' to waste me!` Sern yelled desperately.

One of the gentlemen had drawn his sword and faced Sern's persuer. Sern almost laughed in relief as he stepped out in front of his pursuer. One of the other men steadied Sern as he stumbled to a halt, coughing and panting behind them.

´What's going on here?` the man with the sword demanded.

Sern watched as his kidnapper stopped and pointed at him.

´That boy is a thief and a murderer,` he announced.

To Sern's dismay, they looked at him uncertainly and the gentleman lowered his sword a bit. ´Tis not true,` Sern yelled desperately. ´He attacked me an' bound me in the street! Please, help!`

The kidnapper pushed his hood down, and opened the clasp of his cloak to reveal his garb; a hauberk covered in a brown and black surcoat displaying the Jaris coat of arms. A city guard. Sern's eyes widened in disbelief and horror. They'd never believe him now.

´That boy is a thief and a killer. You would do well to let me take him to the arrest where he belongs,` the guard said angrily.

Sern gasped as the man beside him roughly grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. ´No! No, no, no. Please, it's a misunderstandin',` he begged. But they no longer listened.

The women stared and whispered, looking shocked. Sern heard something about ”so young”. He realized they fully believed the guard, and swallowed hard against the lump in his throat. Just like that, his hopes were crushed. ´Please, no. He'll kill me!`

The man holding him sneered. ´Maybe you shouldn't have done such things then, boy.`

´But I didn't!` Sern protested, his voice shrill. He dodged out of the man's grasp and bolted. The gentleman with the sword stuck out a foot and tripped him as he tried to escape. He sprawled in the muddy street, unable to catch himself with his hands behind his back. The air was knocked out of him and he groaned. The hard cobbles pressed against his face, and the muddy water seeped into his already wet clothes, freezing cold. Strong hands grabbed his arms painfully and pulled him back up. As soon as Sern looked up, the guard's fist landed in his stomach and he doubled over, coughing and gasping for air.

´That's for trying to escape,` a voice said from far away. His ears rang and small dots floated in front of his eyes. Was he going to faint? Maybe it would be nice, he thought. Not needing to feel and hear these people anymore.

´You do that one more time and I'll kill you,` the guard continued in a low, dangerous tone. ´I don't really need you alive. But I'd rather not have to kill a boy.`

A hand forced Sern's chin up and he found himself face to face with the guard. The man's hot breath brushed Sern's face. ´Do you understand me?` he asked slowly.

Sern nodded weakly. His life had finally come to an end. He was going to jail, then he'd be killed. He knew how these things went. Either he'd rot in a cell until he died from starvation or some sickness, or he'd be executed publicly. Or, if he got lucky, they'd satisfy themselves by cutting his hands off and letting him go, which was basically a death sentence too. He wasn't sure which was worse. Trembling, he tried to show a brave face and straightened, blinking away the tears stinging his eyes. The guard grasped him, his gloved fingers digging into Sern's arm, and pulled him away from the strangers, thanking them for their help as he left. He didn't let go of Sern's arm this time.

´Please,` Sern tried again. ´You've got the wrong man. I haven't wasted anyone.`

´Shut up and walk,` the guard answered. ´You can tell us all about your innocence when you're in a cell.`

´I can get you coin?` he tried in a desperate attempt to bribe the guard. A stinging blow to the head was the only answer he got.

Stumbling and lightheaded, Sern walked towards his doom, pulled forward by the guard. Why had this happened to him? It wasn't fair. How had they found him? What had he done wrong? He must have messed up somehow. But how? When? The walk through the dark city was slow and torturous. Desperation grew the further they walked. He had to get away. He glanced at the guard. He seemed very alert, strong, and in good health. Sern wouldn't be able to outrun him. Maybe he could fake his own death? He was clearly sick. Maybe he could scare the guard he had the plague or something?

Dragging his feet, he coughed more than he had to. But after just a short while, the guard stopped and spun him around, glaring at him. Holding Sern's arms in a painful grip, he shook him.

´Stop that right now. You're not that sick. I'm not stupid,` he growled.

Sern paled, too scared to protest. The guard snorted and pulled him along again when shouting and yelling ahead reached his ears.