Author's rant

So, today we will have a chapter with even less action than before - You'll get to know the new characters introduced a little better. I've tried to lighten the read by being funny, I'm quite sure that's a perfect miss, though.

Let's dive into the new characters at the castle - as you may already know, Ryko is shunned for being a vampire (Everybody says that! - Ryko). His way to cope with that is by joking about it - kind of like how a comedian can be depressed but be really funny on the scene anyway. - It doesn't perfectly reflect his feelings, quite contrary. 

I'll get some action back into the story soon, don't worry! Just put up with me for a chapter or two.

I just realized my "mature" tag is pretty much pointless at this point... I dunno, that may be subject to change when the action really kicks in. I'll give you a heads up before that happens.

Oh yeah, for gods sake. Someone kindly pointed out a grave error i made - I have basically not described my main character at all. I'm kind of risking to mess up your picture of the guy at this point. I'll incorporate it into the story ASAP - I imagined him with short pitch black hair as well as tall - for his "time", which means he is average after the 800 year vacation - and fairly muscular... Yeah because that's what life and death situations does to you. His name is Mavros from greek - máv̱ros - black... Yeah I'm good with names... Thanks for asking. This is referencing his hair.

Oh, and as always, comments and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

Actual Story:

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The castle had no outer wall, but plenty of pointy spires and several balconies.

They entered through a large wooden gate, and walked through a hall and into a big room.

Mavros gazed around - a large table with plenty of chairs filled the entire middle of the room. a man was sitting at the end of the table.

“Hello, father.” Ryko said respectfully.

“I have brought someone for dinner.”

The father nodded. “Very well. We will prepare for him immediately.” His voice was unexpectedly deep, but carried a great deal of authority like that of a noble.

Kaneis’ gaze switched to the father who was merely staring at him… as if expecting something.

“Oh, yes… Greetings! I am Kaneis.”

“Very well. Welcome to my castle, Kaneis. You will be staying the night, and then be on your way. We will have no poor behaviour here. Dinner will be served at sunset…” The father eyed Kaneis up and down. “You should head upstairs, there’s some clothes available there, and some water to scrub yourself down… Seeing as you are lacking in that department. I’d recon due to bandits.”

Sunset was still hours away, but Kaneis didn’t complain - he was getting free lodging and food after all - and even new clothes and a bath.

Kaneis went upstairs and took a bath, then he dressed up in clothes similar to that of Ryko. He proceeded to go downstairs without his bow and stick, which he left in the room he was supposed to sleep in.

“I see you dropped the stick… One could say you sticked it up… Well, you put it away at least.” Ryko said.

Kaneis blinked in confusion.

“Here, catch.” Ryko threw an apple to Kaneis. “You must be hungry.”

Kaneis hesitated for a moment. “If I pass out from this, please just eat me instead o-”

“What did we agree on?” Ryko broke him off.

“... Okay… Thanks for your thoughtfulness.” Kaneis took a bite from the apple.

Time went by rather quickly in the castle, and dinner time came without any further incidents.

Mavros entered the dining room together with Ryko - The father was sitting exactly where he had been sitting all along. But another person was present.

To the chair immediately left of the father was a woman. She had white skin and completely white hair similar to Ryko’s, but longer. She was rather slim, but had a sophisticated air about her. Kaneis stared at the woman. She was nothing short of breathtaking despite her red irises - or maybe because of them.

Flick

Ryko flicked Kaneis on the forehead. “My sister is off-limits.”

“You.. Uhm..” Kaneis was flabbergasted. “Have a sister?”

“Yes, I have a sister. But don’t talk about her as if she isn’t here. Now go sit down.”

Kaneis did as asked, and went around the table

“Ahem. hem.” Ryko held a hand to his mouth.

Kaneis stopped and looked at Ryko who pointed at the chair at the other end of the table. That’s where Kaneis sat down.

Kaneis gazed at the fork and knife made from metal. Then over to the family at the table, and tried to imitate what they did, with a moderate amount of success.

“So, I will introduce myself again. I am Kaneis. Thank you for your hospitality.”

The sister nodded. “I am Lamia.”

The father barely looked up from his plate. “I am Vlad. You can start thanking us by telling us your real name… And how you ended up as you did.”

Kaneis hesitated. “Are you perchance affiliated with queen Ruby?”

“An odd question, but the answer is no. We are at this time uninvolved in politics.” Vlad said.

Figuring he would leave just the next day anyway, Kaneis nodded. “Very well. It’s possibly quite unbelievable… But if you insist.”

Kaneis started telling his tale. “My name was Mavros. I was recovered from a frozen statue from the middle of Voltimum.”

He told about the encounters with Ruby, he told about Bell, he told about he was thrown out of the castle by Ruby - and she had planned to do this from the start. Finally, he told about how he had seen Bell on that day, as well as how he had made it the first day.

“And that’s when I met Ryko - by being saved from eating a death fruit.”

Vlad nodded. “Quite the tale you have. It sounds to me like you were lucky not to be killed.”

“I have no idea why-”

Vlad continued unfazed by Kaneis talking. “You were lucky because this woman you call Bell was there. It sounds to me like she saved your life, for whatever reason.”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Kaneis went silent, pondering. Maybe Vlad was right. “I guess my life really does get saved a lot lately.”

“Think nothing of it.” Ryko answered.

A brief moment of silence passed while Kaneis fumbled with his cutlery in order to eat.

Lamia suddenly spoke up. “I’m quite amazed you haven’t mentioned vampires even once. Especially after hearing our names.”

“Uh… Ryko kinda set me straight on that. I do wonder how you got the names… but.”

Vlad spoke up, silencing the argument in a flash. “That’s a story that will have to wait till some other time, Lamia.”

The rest of the dinner proceeded with small chit chat or complete silence.

After dinner, Vlad finally got out of his chair, and headed to a smaller room with a fireplace. As for Ryko and Lamia, they didn’t follow Vlad, so neither did Kaneis.

Shortly after Vlad left the room, the mood shifted completely.

Lamia spoke first. “What was it like before the ice? how did you get into the ice?”

“Uhm. A hydra. That’s what Ruby said. And before, it was...” Kaneis paused.

“Sorry about that, We don’t get many visitors. She’s just excited.” Ryko said.

“Oh, of course. Sorry for my inconsideration” Lamia said.

“So.. How come you don’t get many visitors?” Kaneis asked

“Heh, you should know.” Ryko said. “We are generally shunned.”

“Then what's with this castle? Aren’t you noblemen?”

“We… Were.” Lamia said. “A long time ago… But we are largely ignored as a family now...”

“Ah, that explains the political stance.” Kaneis said.

Lamia scooted over and whispered to Ryko for a moment.

Then she looked up at Kaneis.

“Hey, so… Wanna go for an evening walk?” Lamia asked.

“I uh.. What?”

Ryko cleared things up. “It’s what we do occasionally, when father is reading in his library. No need to make it more significant than it is.”

“Oh… Well I guess we can do that.” Kaneis said.

Moments later all three of them walked outside. The sun had already set, so it was quite dark.

“So where are we headed?” Kaneis asked.

“We are going to the graveyard.” Lamia said.

Mavros eyebrows slowly rose. “The graveyard?”

“I know It’s weird, but it’s just so peaceful there… I really like it.” Lamia responded.

“Oh, well… at least you didn’t bring a shovel.” Kaneis responded.

“Shovel? Oh... Heh. Technically they are at the graveyard already.” Lamia giggled.

“Yet I don’t feel threatened when you keep giggling.” Kaneis said as he smiled.

“I bet that would be the best way to trick someone. Just. Keep. Giggling.” Ryko said as he smiled at Kaneis… An uncanny smile.

Kaneis stared at Ryko.

“Hey, I’m kidding! … No really, you can stop giving me that look now.”

The side of Kaneis mouth raised a bit in a smile, as his gaze fell on Lamia.

“Hey! You can also stop giving her that look!”

“Huh? What look?” Lamia gazed at Kaneis, who in turn averted his gaze quickly.

“Nothing.” Ryko sighed.

They finally arrived at the graveyard.

“So… now we are here... then what?” Kaneis asked.

“Well… I guess this is the part where we knock you out and drain your blood?” Ryko asked with a serious look in his eyes.

“Heh.. very funny…” Kaneis laughed in a slightly worried tone.

Ryko held his serious gaze on Kaneis.

“You’re kidding… You are actually vampires?”

“Tihihi” Lamia giggled, shortly after Ryko followed with a laugh.

“I’m so not going to sleep tonight. Your jokes are giving me the creeps.” Kaneis sighed.

“So what are we really doing here?” Kaneis asked.

“We are taking a walk. No more no less.” Lamia answered.

Yet they stopped at a mausoleum. The mausoleum wasn’t particularly big. It had enough room for a couple of people standing inside of it, and for some reason the two siblings decided to do just that. The mausoleum was either completely new or very well maintained - but no date was present, and the text was in a foreign language, and didn’t seem particularly informative on the outside, perhaps more was written inside, but Kaneis wasn’t about to find out.

Requiescat in pace

Ryko gestured for Kaneis to wait.

both Lamia and Ryko entered, and came out after perhaps fifteen minutes.

“So... what were you doing in there?”

“It’s the grave of our grandfather… as for what we were doing... that’s a secret.” Lamia answered.

Kaneis remained silent, not wishing to intrude on their sorrows. Kaneis knew not if their grandfather had died recently or what their relationship had been. And he wasn’t going to ask.

The walk home was faster than expected, and night had come. As soon as they arrived at the castle, they headed to bed, each in their separate room.

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Thanks for reading!

Vlad's a bit of a wise guy, huh? he may have a point though, I mean what person in power would totally betray a hero without finishing that job? That would just be stupid.

Oh yeah, you noticed? Vlad... Vampire... Lamia... Yeah that's latin for vampire...  Oh and Ryko? yeah vrykólakas is greek for vampire... I'm good with names, I know. Thanks.

Oh and the next chapter is gonna be powerful stuff... Can't reveal any more at this time... I can hardly wait to post it.