Chlorus had finally convinced the big oaf to leave behind the boy. To his credit, it didn't take as long as he thought it would. Never the less, they simply did not have the time. The supplies. He had told him he could look for him when he returned with an army at his back. Inevitably, vampires would scout the cemetery. With the spells and abilities at their disposal he was surprised they hadn't yet. Perhaps their position was more concealed than he thought but he had no idea how that would be possible. The vampires planned their attack only after they had vetted every street, every exit, and the lands around the city. They already knew where people would flee to. Then they had their fledglings sneak their way in disguised in various roles and even infiltrated the tribunal itself.
His allies were almost instantly killed- Chlorus only survived himself after jumping through a 3rd story window. He didn't really mourn his allies as much as he pretended. But his new companions seem rather simple and such ideals would likely appeal to them. But honestly? They knew what they signed up for. He just needed bodies to distract vampires in the mean time. Safety in numbers and all that. They navigated the forest cautiously enough and performed as well as they could under pressure. They weren't entirely dead weight, though he wasn't sure how Jarrath disappeared. Chlorus found signs of a fight in a nearby hall, even drag marks. But they disappeared after a few turns.
He didn't tell his father as much, it wouldn't serve any of their interests. Part of his training was to use information wisely. Training that he was using now, as he led the rag-tag group. A pair of apothecaries in training, a military vet- a type of hybrid fighter. And the short but quite stout Gendry. The boys father. They were tolerable enough. And lucky enough to survive so far. Their testimony would be a decisive factor when they reached the next city. He hoped their tribunal would request the countries army. From there, Chlorus would contact his organization and they would go their separate ways. Now, Chlorus examined the landscape, connecting the landscapes he had marked on his map to different landmarks. It was a simple map with only key locations marked. Someone from his organization made it after scouting the area days ago. Currently they were heading towards a crudely drawn witch. It was a simple depiction, the women was old and green with a pointed hat, like one from children's stories. They had just came from the symbol of a tombstone. Smaller intermittent symbols were drawn for things like unique looking trees, or natural locations.
"How much further?" Kyle asked. "Not far." Chlorus answered. He eyed the broken redwood tree, it was recently felled. It's marked with an 'X', a lumberjack had chopped it out but they haven't come to retrieve it yet. It was a landmark on the map. They were very close, actually. "Now, from what I hear the woman has warded her homestead. Which means she'll notice our approach, and we'll remain unharmed so long as we approach amicably." he just stated the simple facts as usual. If one of the peasants stepped in a bear trap he would not pity them after his warning. Gendry nodded, honestly the stoic man was his favorite of the group. Quiet, yet decisive. He rationalized losing his son well. Even though the boy was likely dead, Chlorus had no doubt he would return to the cemetery. He now carried two large satchels at his sides with a sword fashioned in his back.
"Does your organization need apothecaries?" the girl, Selendris asked. They have been traveling for hours and had many small conversations since they decided to leave Jarrath behind. "Already looking for a job? Why am I not surprised?" Chlorus chuckled, the girl was made of sterner stuff. Perhaps she did have the merit to join, but anyone in his organization was trained from birth. Conditioned to be loyal and trustworthy. They didn't do recruits. "The town I found apprenticeship in went up in flames yesterday." she said. "Sorry, we're not hiring.", she would have no problem finding work in the next town. He was sure. Refugees of war were pitiable, plenty of opportunity and special deals for those fallen on hard times. Especially when the refugees will be so few. Chlorus wasn't sure if anyone else survived. The beasts were as effective as they were ruthless in their attack.
"Can't believe Jeff is dead." Kyle said, "We'll make sure to mourn him properly in the next town." Selendris consoles him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Why wait?" Chlorus extends a flask towards them. They hesitate only a moment before each taking a sip. They both cringed from the alcohol which causes Chlorus and Malcolm to chuckle. Malcolm currently had an arm over a crutch shaped branch, he set the groups relative speed. After taking a sip himself, he hands the flask to Chlorus. It was hard stuff, it was moonshine, a lazily distilled booze that was even harder than typical whiskey. It would instantly warm you to say the least. Chlorus spills a tiny amount -for the dead. And took a sip himself before stowing the flask. They were entering the witches land, he could tell from the markings, the hanging bone and effigies.
"Stick close." he said. The trees became distant and fewer as a cabin came into view. Smoke rising from a chimney. There was a pen with goats and chickens contained within attached to the house. It was only partly a clearing, as many trees were likely kept close to help conceal the cabin. Chlorus followed the marked path to it, making sure to keep his gait casual. His hood laid back revealing his green dyed hair and his unmasked face was rough and pocketed. A stubble of a beard forming. He knew the witch was friendly enough from his information, but he was ready to reach for one of his many self defense implements. Though his posture didn't show it. "Baah!" a baby goat calls from the pen, causing Selendris and Kyle to approach ahead more quickly- petting it between the pen slats. As they approached Chlorus noticed an elderly women sitting under a basic veranda that surrounded the cabin. It had a ceiling, but there was no wood flooring- only swept dirt. There were many runes and enchanted items about. The elderly women looks up from reading a dusty tome; "Visitors? ...Or trespassers?" She asks in a gentle and wizened voice.
"Visitors, customers if you'd allow- I hear you are quite the healer and we have someone in dire need of your talents." Chlorus said as politely as he could. The women narrowed her eyes at him, two deceitful intellectuals often recognized one another. This women only appeared helpless and kind. But she was much more than that. She glanced past Chlorus to the limping man who only now approached. "I see. Please, come inside." as the group shuffled up to the stoop she put up a hand. "Just you and the girl." she said pointing towards Malcolm. They nod and enter the cabin as the rest waited outside. Chlorus heard Malcolm grunt as they removed the bandages. He could hear the old women order Selendris to do various things, grab certain ingredients. Which she enthusiastically ran about the cabin to retrieve. His hearing wasn't what it used to be, various explosions saw to that. But he could discern that much.
After awhile they emerged, Malcolm freshly bandaged. He had a lot more color in his face as well. "He'll heal well now, so long as you keep it wrapped. And keep your weight off it!" the women said, slapping his shoulder. To which Malcolm corrects his stance leaning on his makeshift crutch. "What do we owe you?" Chlorus asked. "We've already settled our manor of payment" the women waved her hand dismissively. Chlorus looked to Malcolm and he said; "She would like us to keep an eye out for her granddaughter during our travels.". That's it? Such high quality healing for next to free, how lucky. This women provided a service in the middle of nowhere that healers within the cities would charge a hefty fee for. "Thank you 'mam." he said. "Think nothing of it... My granddaughter, she's easy enough to recognize. She looks like me, but a bit younger." she said. Chlorus gives a pleased nod in response to what he assumed was a joke. So they were looking for a young black women wearing red noble clothes. For being out in the middle of nowhere the old women dressed well.
"Honestly 'mam, you should leave with us- there's beasts that take human form in the area. They sacked the town nearby and are likely looking for survivors." Chlorus said gravely. "Do you mean vampires are about?" Chlorus was surprised at that, this women knew what was very niche' information. Vampires did exist in some legends, but even academics seldom knew of them. They were ancient history and not even native to this land. "How do you know of them?" Chlorus asked. "I know of many things..." She only said. Chlorus nodded a couple times. "Yes, they are vampires. You are free to accompany us to the next city, if you'd like." Chlorus offered. She shook her head, "I will stay until my granddaughter returns." she sounded adamant. Chlorus didn't understand the familial connection thing, but he respected it. It seemed very important to some people. "Very well. Good luck to you.", the old women stopped them and gave them a loaf of freshly baked bread before they left. It was even flavored with garlic. Selendris and Kyle gave the baby goat a few more pats as well. But then they set off again into the forest with renewed vigor.
---
I sat cross legged watching the shadow of the cave gradually extend as the sun set. The woman hasn't woke up yet, I was worried about her. Maybe she hit her head when she was captured. I loaded up the coffin with various gold and silver baubles that sat around the trolls cave. It turns out, my skin doesn't like silver. It felt like I was holding a scalding hot plate, so I had to palm them into it using the scattered fabric as a buffer. Just how many weaknesses did vampires have? I wasn't getting as hungry as I was yesterday, but it was a need I'd have to fill sooner or later. I was just unsure of how pressing of a matter it was, I just didn't have enough experience with it. After a few more moments, I noticed the women's heartbeat and breathing had changed. She still had her eyes closed, but I assumed she was pretending to be asleep now. I guess my display before she passed out earlier had scared her, I suppose that made sense. I came out of a coffin of all places and over powered a troll- killing it by spearing my arm through it's chest twice. I'd be pretending to be asleep too.
Just a bit darker and I would no longer be confined to this cave, but perhaps I should talk to her first. It would be kind to warn her about what's going on. During my fight I realized perhaps I was changed. More so than I thought. I'm worried that I'm becoming more callous. The way the fight was, I never fought a troll or anything. But I was not scared in the slightest. Perhaps it was due to the fact I was nearly invulnerable now. Or maybe something deep inside myself had changed due to the vampirism. Or all the recent experiences have numbed me, or a combination of all those things, but I was bolder. Less concerned with the state of things, I only had to make the next move- it was simple. I just felt less in general, I hope I was only in shock as I didn't want to be numb like my father. Or sadistic like the other vampires. I knew how experiences like ours could change a person. My light would return, in time hopefully, if not I would build it again. But for now, it was useful that I didn't feel so much. I wasn't a scared fragile person cowering in the corner of a cave, I had power. It was convenient in the moment.
"If you have family nearby you should find them. There are beings like me that prowl at night that aren't so accommodating." I say to no one. I hear a stirring women in the cave, a moment passes before she speaks. "...What are you?" She says. I look over my shoulder towards her, her green eyes were in stark contrast to her skin tone. It was clear what her emotions were, her eyes had communicated them plainly. She was scared, but also curious. "I'm like you, only awhile ago I was turned into this. When my town was raided by monsters that looked like people." from there, I told her everything I had experienced over the last few days. After awhile she had sat cross legged like myself and listened. When I described the attack, then the change, her eyes would widen. As I described the solemn moments like being in the cell or between fighting she only looked into the dying fire towards the center of the cave. Once I finished she seemed to be at a loss for words- no longer as scared, but very deep in thought. Finally she spoke.
"So you get by eating already dead people? Why aren't you like them? Your eyes... They're not red either." she said. Which surprised me, I assumed they were. "What color are they?" I ask. "They're purple, you look like how some people in our court would use magic to alter their appearance. They can make their eyes glow different colors too. That's what I thought it was until you described that illness." illness? I suppose it was an illness. But purple? Like Ribs? There must be a connection there. Maybe it explained why I was less sadistic than the others. "I don't know why I'm not like them. Maybe it takes time to become like that." I said. "Are you... 'Hungry'?" she asks. I consider for a moment, I did feel a little peckish. But hardly more than usual. "It's kind of something I always want, but right now I feel okay. Don't worry, I won't attack you or anything." she just swallows hard and looks off in contemplation at that. "I'm Jarrath, what's your name?" I ask. "Kendra." she said as she got up and walked towards the coffin. "This is nice, I always wondered why people spend so much money on something that would be buried and kept from sight." she said, running a hand down the violet runes. "These are interesting.", eventually she produced a gold chalice from the coffin.
The sun was officially set I would say. Come to think of it, my group was going to visit a crone in the woods to get Malcolm healed. Maybe she knew her. As I thought that, I saw her produce a small dagger from her gown. "What are you doing?" I asked. She walked into the light of the fire and ran the dagger down her palm. The smell almost covered the scent of the trolls post-mortem defecation. "Consider it thanks for saving me." she said as she held a clenched fist over the chalice. This women had to be insane, or maybe still in shock from her experience with the troll. A trickle of blood dripped into the chalice. "Uhhh..." now I was at a loss for words. I wasn't even sure that amount would put a dent in things. "It'd be interesting to know if there is a difference between a living and dead persons blood." she said. "I don't know if that's a good idea... What if it is different and it changes me? Maybe that's how I get red eyes." I wasn't sure of anything, I didn't want to risk it. "You won't always be able to find cadavers... It's either this or starvation and then you're drinking from a live person anyways." she said. It was hard to argue with her, in the hundred miles between here and the next city corpses would only become more scarce. It was something I tried not to think about. "Honestly, I'm a healer and it'd be good for me to know how to treat this illness." she said wrapping a thin fabric around her palm.
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She walked over and offered the chalice. I looked down at it skeptically, I wasn't starving yet but maybe it would be for the best to keep my reserves high anyway. It was also hard to turn down, as it was more enticing than the corpse earlier. I take the goblet. Gold doesn't burn me, luckily. It was only filled a 3rd of the way, a swallow or two. I knocked it back quickly and instantly I felt a kick. The dark urges roiled up but as I wasn't starving they weren't so strong. It would be best to keep from allowing myself to become hungry I realized. It was hot and it had a bit of a different flavor than the 'cadavers'- as Kendra so eloquently put... It was impossible to describe with words as it is unlike anything I've ever tasted before. Spicy was the closest description. "Yep, living blood is vastly superior to dead blood." I said, holding a fist to my mouth. "What's it taste like?" She asked, curiously with no remaining hint of fear. "Spicy, I guess.".
"Is it gross, to have to do that?", "My mind says yes but my body says no." and it was true. My taste buds said it was the best thing I've ever had but my mind told me it was the worst thing I've ever done. It was also partly embarrassing, for reasons beyond my comprehension. "Fascinating." she eventually said. "Your eyes flared a bit there for a second. I wonder if your anatomy is different. Why blood? Why does it make you so strong?" she pondered with a hand on her chin as she paced around. This women certainly was strange, I wonder what kind of illness she must treat if this is just another one for her. Then I remembered, I had things to do. "Hey, do you know anything about some kind of hermit witch?" I asked. She looked up at me in surprise. "I suppose? You mean my grandmother? But she's no witch, she's a researcher.".
---
We stomped through the forest, I had the coffin on my back with various riches jingling within. I'd be stupid to leave such wealth behind, I could just send my dad into towns to buy things. And oh, I would buy so many things. Kendra led the way, as we agreed to try to catch my group while they visited her grandmother. Before I imagined some old crone stirring a cauldron while mumbling spells, whose home would raise up on two giant chicken legs and roam about the forest. But from how Kendra described her, she was just a kind old women with a wicked wit. The dark forest around us was still dangerous, night had fallen after all. There could be more trolls around or any manor of nocturnal beasts. Kendra seemed to be fearless however, and insists it's fine though she was just caught earlier today. She had multiple mage lights levitating around. At least we would see any threat coming. With a silent mumble the tiny white spheres appeared just as we were leaving.
Kendra might not be scared, but I was still high on alert. Ready to leap to her defense, I was practically invulnerable and started to feel like it. Also, she was my meal ticket at this point. It would be hard to convince anyone else. "You should kill the lights." I said. Us being stealthy in the forest a couple days ago as we fled the city was part of the reason we survived. "Why? You're making a racket with your little treasure trove. Also, I'm not able to see in the dark like some people. I'd rather not run into one of my grandmothers snares.", "Guess you got a point. But how much further?" I ask. "Just up ahead, I was almost there when that troll picked me up. Thanks again by the way." I give a mm-hmm in affirmation. I was going to kill the troll one way or the other anyways. Though I did take a risk emerging during daylight. This night there was no moon so it was much darker than before.
After about another 15 minutes of walking I began to see movement on the horizon, just beneath the brush. Wolves most likely. "Kendra." I said. She was humming a gentle tune as we walked. "Kendra- I see wolves." I said. She stopped and turned towards me; "Figures, usually I walk this forest and there's no predators at all. My grandmothers cabin usually scares them away.", "They're probably fleeing from the vampires." I said. Maybe as predators themselves they sensed the danger. "Probably." she said, looking around, her mage lights extending out, some hanging onto the sides of trees like makeshift lampposts. "They smell your leg I think." I said, leaning the coffin against a tree. Her bandaged leg was healed a surprising amount, I suppose her healing abilities are no joke. She still limped but it was almost as if it was just a sprain, it didn't effect her spirits whats'-so-ever. I hear a distant howl. The wolves tightening their loop around them, as they were patrolling in a circle around us gradually closing in. As cautious as they are they likely can sense something different about me. Or maybe Kendra's lack of fear was off putting to them. It certainly was for me.
Eventually their yellow reflective eyes came into view of the mage lights. "Get inside here." I said opening the coffin. "No- my grandmothers is just over the next hill, let's run!" she said, taking off skipping into the forest her mage lights trailing behind. Leaping off her good leg each step. "Wait!" I said. Even city dwelling people like me know predators would give chase when a person fled. And they did. They leaped into the mage lights, their massive canine forms pushing through the foliage. These wolves easily stood four feet from the ground, powerful and healthy beasts. I heard a howl, a call to action. I'll just kill them before they get to her. Again, I was a bit off-put by how simple the decision seemed, but didn't have the luxury to care so much. I ran towards the nearest wolf, it notices my advance and careens towards my direction snarling. I punch out aiming for it's head, I must've of been running as fast as it was as my fist collided with it's snout. I hear a growl that gives way to a whimper then a sickening crunch all in the span of a second as it's body jerks back tumbling ass over kettle as it flips across the ground with heavy thuds behind me. I shake the blood from my arm, it's teeth actually racked my arm pretty good.
I go for the next one, Kendra was making gradual progress towards the hill but the wolves were weaving through the redwoods on her heels. I sprint and stand into the path of the next one. There were two close by this time I would likely have to fight them at the same time. I pick a rock up and toss it into one of their faces causing a whine to ring out, and I clothesline the other one as it passed me causing it to tumble next to me. With a growl it gets to its feet and runs low snapping at me. I dodge out of the way quickly jabbing it in the chest. I hear ribs shatter but it doesn't relent, jumping and snapping again. I kick it hard in the stomach on one of it's leaps causing it to spit blood, but in that moment I feel another set of jaws close around my waist. The force of the charge behind the bite sent me flying from it's mouth with the teeth cutting my torso as I do. "Ow! Shit!" I say as I stumble towards it quickly standing back up, but it's so pissed and determined to tear my throat out it's already making it's next bite. The one I kicked before was recovering also. If Kendra only stayed in the coffin I could fight on my own terms, but now I was covering her escape.
I was dodging their bites responding with quick but lighter attacks of my own. I didn't have forever to kill these two as more were approaching. I almost found myself snarling as I grabbed the leg of one of the snapping wolves and crush it between my fingers. Slinging it into a tree next to me. A shrill yelp is quickly cut off as I do so. A quick snap catches me on my calf causing me to cry out in pain, it gripped me and shook my leg fiercely. I reached down and wrapped my arms around it's neck hugging tightly. I lifted and flung it, breaking it's neck in the process. Just then three more wolves charged from the bushes.
---
Kendra had ran as fast as she could- she put on a brave front but was terrified, she had not known the nature of Jarraths illness. It made him unpredictable and volatile. Her leg was healed and numbed by her magic, but it still burned as she skipped along. She knew of many illnesses that changed people, magical afflictions even that were weaponized to do so. But this... This was something new. It fascinated her as much as it scared her. She was so close to the safety of her grandmothers hovel. There was snaps, growls and impacts sounding from the fight taking place just behind her. She was certain the man would survive, apparently those with his illness were difficult to kill- so he would be fine. She told her self. But she was not about to get trapped inside that coffin of his. It was a fear of hers, to be buried alive. She realized.
She made it to the hill and could see the cabin coming into view as she nearly ran. Kendra would have to make her way to the path or chance her way through the many traps and runes that laid in wait. She started to careen the long way around as she neared the perimeter of the defenses. In that moment a wolf leaped into the direction she turned from and found itself wrapped into many thorny vines that emerged quickly from beneath the ground. Only a moment passes of them constricting the wolf before the sound of breaking bones was heard. It whimpered for a moment before going quiet. Kendra forced herself into a jog. The magic she had holding her broken leg together strained during each step.
Finally- she stepped into the path, the sounds of howling wolves nearing. Jarrath was slowly killing them off it seemed, but there were too many for one person no matter how powerful to fight at one time. The traps were taking care of the rest. She ran down the path, hoping no wolves happened to follow. "Nana!" She shouted. "Kendra!" she heard shouted back. The older silver haired women stood outside her cabin, mage lights of her own spreading to the edges of her property. "There's a man out there, we need to help him!" Kendra shouted as she ran into a hug with her grandmother. "He's likely already dead." her grandmother said, stroking her back thankfully. Kendra pushes herself away- "Not him, he has an illness that makes him invulnerable!" she said. Her grandmothers widen in surprise, but then narrow in contempt. "A vampire..." the elderly voice said. "Yeah! Wait, how do you know that?".
Her grandmother explained having met a group that warned her of an ancient and forgotten enemy to mankind, an enemy she studied well for their medicinal properties, as the mans battle with the wolves sounded through the forest. A cacophony of human grunts and canine growls. "He's different nana, he saved me..." she said. Suddenly a particularly massive wolf rolls into view. Thrown into view. They both gazed out into the darkness just passed their mage lights. The wolf growled at that darkness. Every now and then a wolf would run into the perimeter of mage lights only to fall prey to the snares. A bloodied man in shreds eventually appeared stepping towards the wolf, his violet eyes gleaming in the shadowed dark. The two began to circle each other.
---
I stepped into the womens mage lights. Her cabin was in view, and I could see Kendra next to the old crown looking back with worry and fear. I was almost done, I lost a lot of blood, my bones were broken multiple times and healed. But their numbers were cut down. This wolf was huge compared to the others, likely their alpha. It fought well for a wild animal, not that I was a trained warrior myself despite my inhuman strength. "Be careful!" I heard Kendra shout. "There's traps!", I looked around to see wolves impaled and entangled around the semi-clearing. Honestly, I was kind of mad, these wolves pissed me off. So I had forgotten about them. They refused to relent. I charged towards the wolf and it charged back, we collided together in a flurry of punches and snaps. It was very agile for it's massive size.
It tackled me as it dodged a punch running low behind me, it jumped up and snapped at me. We tumbled together further into the slight clearing. It manages to get on top of me, pinning me down on my back. It bites down towards my face but I brought an arm up. Blood sprays into my face as it's jaws clamp down around it, snapping bone. "AAgh! Bitch!", I punch the side of it's head with resounding thuds with each blow. It only snarls and whips its head back and forth tearing my arm further. I grip the side of it's head and roll it off me, as I do suddenly dozens of thorny vines emerge from the ground around us. I found myself being constricted against the wolf as the vines tightened around the two of us. Tighter, and tighter. The wolves body breaks against mine and the vines grip me so tightly even my strength can't pull free. They were thick and as they drug across my skin they left lashes bone deep from their thorns.
The alpha quickly died, but I suffered. I groaned as the vines wore me to the bone. I looked towards Kendra and the old women as my vision is covered in blood. After awhile the vines relented as I no longer moved, simply holding me restrained. Pain engulfed my body but I could not move. Eventually the vines receded back into the ground releasing me into a pulpy mess. The howls of the other wolves had receded, they likely retreated as their alpha was defeated. My senses dulled by the pain I could hardly think, but I felt my body being drug towards the cabin. The old women now held a staff she pointed towards me, a vine was dragging like a leash. "We must restrain him. His kind are dangerous." I heard her say. "He's not dangerous nana!", "What are you saying girl? He told you of his 'illness' but did he mention his hunger for human blood? He is a beast in the guise of a man!" she said. Kendra pulled on her grandmothers staff as the thorny vines dug into me. I gurgled in misery. "I'm so sorry his illness inconveniences you!" she shouted. "It's no illness Kendra. It's a curse. A parasite." I felt my arms and legs become wrapped tightly. "I don't know what he told you but he lied, he only wanted to save you until he had a guaranteed food source." she said angrily. "Just- give him a chance!", I hear a *pop* in my neck and my vision fades.