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Member No.: 9
Joined: 27-February 08
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The remainder of the day, Kieran sat awake, with his bride sleeping peacefully next to him. He glanced over toward Edward, who lay to the left, hugging his sword. Edward, being the only other male in the coven, was Kieran’s biggest responsibility. Knowing if Kieran were to die, Edward would have to lead the coven. Eliara and Ivory laid to his right. The two sisters were snuggled close to one and other. Kieran remembers how hard it was to turn them both. Knowing Eliara wouldn’t be turned without her twin sister. Its good to see the connection still strong, Kieran thought. It’ll helped them survive. Sophia sat across from him. She always slept sitting up, ready to pounce at whatever moment. Sophia, though acted more like a man than she did a women, was the tallest female in the coven. Also Kieran’s best fighter. Edward always fancied her, but never made the first move.
Then there was his bride, Amelia. Just the mere thought of her, made Kieran hold her tighter. The first time Kieran set his eyes on her was breath taking. Kieran never believed in love at first sight, but somehow he was drawn to Amelia. Though frighten at first to Kieran’s darkly appearance, she quickly was attracted to him. One of the perks of being cursed Kieran always said. Turning her was easier than turning the other’s because Amelia asked if she could go with Kieran. When he tasted her soft, smooth, warm flesh, he knew at that moment that he had fell in love. But his thoughts of love, haunted him. In the old days, a vampire had a coven or a family. It was unsafe to mix the two. Now its unsafe to have either one.
Darkness started to fill the trees. He stood up and walked over to the opening of the cave. It was now dark enough to move outside. His thoughts quickly turned to the horsemen that might be tracking them. Very rarely they move at night. Only when they have a full garrison, they will venture through the night. But small hunting packs usually make camp at dusk. In any case, now is the best time to move out.
“Sophia.” Kieran said quietly. Her eyes snapped open. She was dazed for a moment, then jump right up.
“Yes master?” She responded firmly. Kieran always dislike the way they called him master. They respected him too much to call him by his proper name.
“Please head out, and see which path is safest to travel.”
“Yes master.” She tied her belt around her waist and slipped her sword under it. “Which way we headed?”
“West. I want the sunrise to hit us later rather than sooner.”
“I understand master.” Sophia headed out of the cave. She glanced in all directions, then turned and ran to the west.
“Edward. Edward.” Kieran said as he patted Edward’s shoulder. “Wake up.” Edward’s eyes slowly opened. He looked up at Kieran.
“Sorry master.” He sat up. He stretched out his arms, and loosened up his back. “You sleep at all master?”
“Yes, some.” Kieran walked over to the twins. He knelt down beside them.
“Where’s Sophia master?”
“I sent her out to find a safe path.”
“Why didn’t you send me…” Edward began to asked annoyed. Kieran looked up at him. Edward quickly lowered his head. “… Master?”
Kieran put his hand on Eliara’s forehead. She awoke gently and slowly.
“Its time to wake my dear.” Kieran said.
“Yes master.” she said. She sat up and began to nudged Ivory. Kieran then walked over to Amelia. He stroked her long black hair, until she finally opened her eyes.
“We have to get up now my love.” he said staring in her eyes. She looked back into his and gave a smile. For a moment he wanted to return one to her, but quickly fixed himself. Noticing his struggle, Amelia sat up.
“Yes master.” she said in a soft and playful tone. Out of all who reply to him as master, he definitely hated it when Amelia said it to him.
“Grab everything.” Kieran said. “I doubt it won’t even matter, but I do not want to leave a trail.” They all nodded. They folded up their blankets and put them in their sacks. Sophia ran back into the cave.
“Master. I found a path that looks safe enough.” She said slightly out of breath.
“Thank you Sophia. Lets go everyone.” They all stepped out. It was a dark and cold night. A light rain was coming through the trees, and the wind had really picked up. Kieran started walking down the path. Amelia, Eliara and Ivory were closer to him then his own shadow. The three always stayed close to Kieran. They were usually unarmed and lacked the fighting skills to defend themselves. Though they possessed the typical vampire abilities, but did not know how to use them. Kieran only had time to train Edward and Sophia fully, before going on the run.
They walked through the heavily wooded forest most of the night. Sunrise would be coming soon, and usually around this time, Kieran would start looking for shelter, but he knew they had to get to the next town for the secret meeting.
“Master. Are we going to stop soon, cause I’m beginning to thirst.” Edward said from behind him.
“I’m afraid not Edward. We have to get to Strycnine before sunrise.” Kieran said reluctantly. He usually never says out loud, especially in front of the twins, when they are headed to a town.
“Are you serious Master?” asked Ivory.
“What if we are discovered…” asked Eliara.
“Girls if you please, I’m trying to concentrate.” Kieran said. Amelia gave him a small hug from behind. Its good that she is always on my side, he thought. She would make a good fearless leader…
“Stop!” Sophia said quietly. “There is movement ahead.” The coven moved quickly off the path, into the brush.
Sophia crawled back into the brush.
“Master, it’s a hunting pack.” Sophia said gently. The twins gasped and clung to each other. Amelia placed both hands on Kieran’s arm. She was obviously frightened, but did not make a sound.
“Edward stay with Amelia and the twins. Anything comes up on you, you yell for help, you do not get creative, you call for help. You understand?” Kieran spoke in a relaxed tone. Edward noticed no fear in his voice at all.
“Yes master.”
“Good, Sophia follow me.” They both ran out of the brush, and headed down the path. The rest watched them run until they could no longer see them.
“You think they’ll be ok?” asked Ivory.
“Of course they will. Master Kieran knows what he is doing. Don’t you think so Amelia?” asked Eliara. Amelia managed to put on a smile.
“Yes. Yes I do.” Amelia said, trying her best to sound convincing.
Kieran and Sophia followed the path until they saw the hunting pack. They ducked down. The hunting pack continued toward them.
“Okay. When they spot me, I’ll lead them a little more down the path. Get behind them, and I’ll meet you in the middle. Understand?” Kieran asked. Though he did not need an answer from Sophia. She always did what she was told, and did it with perfection.
“Yes master.” She replied. She slowly pulled out her sword. “At last,” Sophia said, “I’ve been meaning to get some practice in.” Kieran couldn’t help but smile. He loved Sophia’s will to fight. Reminded him of himself. He leaned over and kissed Sophia on the forehead. Then popped out of the brush in front of the hunting pack.
“You there, HAULT!” shouted one of the soldiers. “What is your business in these woods?”
Kieran didn’t say anything. He just returned the soldiers question with a stare.
“Speak quickly damnit, we don’t got all night!” Shouted the soldier. Kieran lowered his head. He prepared himself for the fight to come.
“Your correct.” Kieran said. He lifted up his head. His fangs were exposed and his eyes turned black. “We don’t have all night.”
All eight soldiers gasped. Kieran’s arm extended forward, and with a flick of his wrist, he threw a dagger. The dagger flew through the air, spiraling in a perfect line right into the first soldiers neck. The dagger pierced the skin without difficulty and lodged into the throat. The soldier’s hands came up and grabbed the dagger. Blood started spewing through the wound, spraying all across the soldiers uniform. It steamed as it came down the torso and dripped onto the floor. The soldier stumbled back, then collapsed.
“VAMPIRE! VAMPIRE!” screamed the soldiers. They drew out their weapons and started for Kieran. Sophia jumped and landed behind the soldiers.
“Why good evening boys.” She said politely. Her eyes pitch black, and her fangs exposed. The soldiers turned to face her. Kieran rushed in and thrusted his sword into the soldier’s back. Before the next solider had time to react, Kieran had pulled out and stuck his sword into his side. The soldier in front of Sophia swung his sword. Sophia blocked the blow and delivered one of her own. The solider caught her blade in his right shoulder. Another solider raised his spear and rushed in. She timed her spin perfectly as the soldier thrusted his spear and missed. At the end of her spin she stuck out her sword in time to slice through the soldier’s stomach. Kieran extended his nails and reached around from behind a soldier. Her dug his nails into the soldier’s neck and ripped out the jugular. The remaining two soldiers stood in panic. Each looking at both vampires closing in. One soldier started to run away. Kieran leaped and glided through the air towards the fleeing soldier. Landing on the soldiers back, Kieran slit the soldier’s neck with a dagger. The last soldier stared at Sophia.
“May God damn you to hell!” said the soldier. Sophia gave him a cold stare.
“No need…” Sophia said. She jumped in the air and landed on top of the soldier pinning him to the ground. “… I’m going to live forever.” Sophia swung her sword in the air, and impaled the down soldier in the chest. Kieran walked back toward Sophia.
“Well, that was easier than I expected.” Kieran said. “You alright my dear?”
Sophia lifted up her sword. She watched as the soldier’s blood slid down. It was steaming in the cold air, and it’s crimson color almost glowed.
“How delicious…” Sophia said with a far away look in her eyes.
Before Kieran could say anything, he was alerted by the twins screaming.
“Oh no…” Kieran said. They quickly headed back down the path. Edward was out of the brush. He was surrounded by for men on horses. There was three more soldiers on foot by Amelia and the twins. Kieran and Sophia leaped up into the trees. They jumped from branch to branch without making a sound.
“What do we have here?” one of the soldiers said as he peered through the brush. “Oh my. We got three little monsters over here as well.”
“You must be their leader huh little monster?” asked one of the horsemen. Edward didn’t speak. He had his sword extended out in front of him, pointing it from soldier to soldier. “You might want to put that away.” said one of the horsemen. “You might hurt yourself.” All the soldiers laughed.
“Sophia, help out the girls.” ordered Kieran. They both leaped down from the tree. Sophia landed on a soldiers back. She brought her sword down into the soldier’s stomach. She looked up and threw a dagger into the next soldier’s back. Kieran landed on the back end of one of the horses. The horse buckled wildly, then it’s back legs snapped. He grabbed the rider by the head and twisted it, snapping the soldier’s neck. Kieran then pulled out his sword, and leaped off the horse toward the soldier to the left. He dug his sword into the soldiers neck. Edward, noticing the opportunity, ran over and swung his sword into a horseman’s side. The last horseman lifted his spear to jam at Edward, but was stopped by a dagger thrown by Kieran.
“How many times have I told you? Watch your back.” Kieran said pulling the dagger out. Both were alerted by Ivory’s screams. One of the soldiers had Amelia from behind and had his blade to her neck.
“Stand back. Stand back I said!” screamed the soldier. “Your all demons. Demons! You deserve to burn in hell.” Amelia was limp. Her eyes closed with tears squeezing out. No one moved. They all stared at the soldier. Eyes all black, all had fangs exposed.
“I may die tonight,” said the soldier, “but I’m taking one of you with me…” Kieran appeared behind him. He grabbed the soldier and pulled the blade away from Amelia, then sunk his fangs into his neck. The soldier screamed in pain. He let go of Amelia and the blade. The soldier’s eyes rolled back and then his body went limp. Everyone watched as Kieran sucked the life out of the soldier. Kieran raised his head and the soldier’s body dropped. Kieran lifted his head toward the sky and let out a furious growl. The growl filled the forest. He dropped to one knee and lowered his head. His breathing was heavy. His mouth was covered with blood. With every breath, blood poured out. It dripped down his lips and down to his chin. It hugged his skin as it went down his neck and onto his chest. Eliara and Ivory crawled toward Kieran whining and panting. They crawled up onto him. They began to wipe the blood form his chest and neck with their hands, then lick them clean.
Amelia crawled backwards toward Kieran. She reached out and hugged his leg. She was trembling as she tried to catch her breath. She placed her hand on her neck were the soldier’s blade was. She was obviously very much shaken by the experience. Sophia stood there. Watching the three girls cling to Kieran. Though the site of blood attracted her, she maintain discipline. Edward, on the other hand, was staring at the soldiers body. No doubt he wanted to sink his own teeth in and drink. Kieran slowed his breath down. He licked the blood from his lips, which cause more to drip. He looked up.
“Drink if you will. But hurry, we must be on the move.” Kieran said softly.
By the time Kieran and his coven reached Strycnine, daylight was making it’s appearance. Kieran banged on the door to the Inn. The latch to the door slid open.
“What is your business here?” asked the guard inside.
“I’m here for dinner.” Kieran said.
“How do I know you are invited?”
“I am invited. Can you please open up, its getting warm out here.”
“What is your name?”
“Master hurry, the sun’s peeking out!” Edward exclaimed. Kieran looked up and saw the sun rising. The sky was bright orange, so Kieran knew he didn’t have much time left. Kieran reached inside latch and grabbed the guard by the neck.
“You don’t open this door right now, I’ll make sure to remove your throat before I burn to ash!” Kieran said. The guard was wheezing for air. He reached up and remove the lock. Once the door was unlocked, Kieran pushed the door open and hurried them through. Kieran was the last to step inside, as he did he turned around and saw sunlight hit the spot were they had been standing.
“Stay where you are!” The guard yelled as he pulled out his sword. “I need help in here!” Three more guards came into the hall. Sophia and Edward pulled out their swords immediately.
Kieran stood still. Angry on how the situation had become. He decided to talk it out rather than have Sophia and Edward make light work of them.
“Relax my friend,” Kieran said to the guard, “we are not here to fight.”
“I said stay were you are!” yelled the guard.
“I prefer not to have them kill fellow vampires. So just stand down.” The guards looked at each other puzzled. Neither of them knowing what to do. Kieran knew, by their confusion, they must be newly turned. He glanced over to Edward and Sophia. Both of them holding discipline and each with their own face of concentration. Both ready to kill at his command. He couldn’t help but to feel proud of himself.
“Stand down boys. Lets not make this turn ugly.” a voice said from behind the guards.
“Master Aleron… We were just…” the guard began to explain.
“You were just making Lord Kieran late. Get back to your post.” Aleron ordered. The guards quickly obeyed. “Its good to see you again Kieran.”
Kieran looked at Aleron. They haven’t seen each other in ages it felt like. Kieran always envied how Aleron was able to look older. Seeing how they were both born vampires and stopped aging at 18 years. Though Aleron look more like 30 years. Maybe I should be glad I look younger, thought Kieran.
“Yes. Its been a long time.” Kieran said. He signaled Sophia and Edward to put their weapons away. They both quickly slid their swords back in their belts. “I hardly see anyone I know anymore.”
“Yes, yes I know.” Aleron said. He put his hand on Kieran’s shoulder and led him down the hall. “That’s one downfall about living in the shadows.”
“Aleron, what isn’t a downfall?” asked Kieran. They passed the two guards, both Sophia and Edward looked coldly at them. They reached the end of the hall.
“Well how is being immortal? Isn’t that a positive?” Aleron said.
“Well. The humans are making that hard to accomplish Aleron.”
“Don’t we all know it.” Aleron looked behind him at the others following. “But I have to say Kieran, you look like you been doing okay for yourself.” Kieran grinned proudly.
“And you?”
“My numbers are well enough for now.”
“For now? Do you plan on turning more?”
“Recent confrontations has some elders considering asking for larger numbers.” They reached the end of the hallway. Two guards stood in front of two big wooden doors.
“Is that what this meeting is all about?”
Aleron didn’t have time to reply. The guards opened the door. Inside the room was a long table. Several people were sitting down. They all looked up.
“Ah hello Kieran. Please, do come in and have a seat.” Said the person at the head of the table. Kieran recognized the voice. It was Zen. One of the oldest vampires still alive. Few have the opportunity to see him, let alone to be part of a meeting with him.
“Kieran, could you have them leave us. There is a room were they can rest over there.” Aleron said. “You can have your heir in the room with you if you wish.”
“As you wish.” Kieran turned around. He was about to send Sophia and the girls out, but then change his choice. “Edward, can you please take the girls to the room.”
“Master?” Edward asked confused.
“Edward, please. I would rather have a male out there with them. That way none of these lonely new comers don’t start anything, and have another unfortunate incident.” Kieran said as he looked at Sophia. She lowered her head.
“Very well master.” Edward and the girls walked out of the room. Amelia glanced back at Kieran. He gave her a small smirk as she left the room. Kieran then turned his head toward Sophia.
“And besides, I would rather have you in the room.” Kieran whispered. Sophia looked up at Kieran. She had a look of could be happiness, though it was hard for Kieran to say. He hasn’t seen happiness is ages.
“So Kieran. How are you doing?” asked Zen. Kieran just realized he called him by his name.
“I’m alive my Lord. I must be doing something right.” replied Kieran. Aleron let out a little laugh. Kieran noticed their were a few more empty seats than from the last meeting. He was tempted to ask why is that, but quickly came to the realization.
“Well I understand this is your first meeting, as a coven leader, that you been asked to join correct?” asked Zen. Kieran nodded. He wondered what was the purpose he did get invited. He never associating himself with the elders. He never had the patience to put up with their talk or rules.
“Whose coven were you apart of before?” asked Zen.
“Kern’s…” Kieran said looking over to Aleron.
“Master Aleron, Kieran was part of the coven before you took over Master Kern’s position?” Zen asked confused. Aleron looked back at Kieran. He remembered his years under Kern’s command. How he and Kieran were the closet in the coven. The secret raids on the human forts. The amount of clan mates he lost.
“Yes my lord.” Aleron replied. “Kieran actually tried to take command first.”
“Did you fail?” Zen asked Kieran. Sophia looked at Kieran. Never knowing this story and not being able to imagining her master loosing, waited for his reply.
“I never got a chance my lord.” Kieran said. “Someone informed Kern before I could make the challenge.” The room looked at him. Before another question could be asked, he asked one of his own. “Can I ask you a question my lord?”
“Of course you can.” Zen replied.
“How do you know who I was? I’m sure you were aware of everyone that was attending today, but how did you know exactly who I was?”
Zen sat back in his chair. He had either a look of annoyance or sympathy, both of which Kieran has never seen in a elder. Awkward silence filled the room. All eyes were focused on Zen. Trying to find the right words to explain, Zen was at a loss. He decided to be straight forward.
“That is because I knew your father.” The words sliced through the silence like a hatchet. Sophia shot another look to her master. She has never seen him so shocked before. The look Kieran possessed was one he has never wore. Kieran felt the knot build up in his throat and chest. His father has never been brought up before. Zen decided to break the silence again.
“You are your father’s image Kieran. I had to remind myself to call you by your name an not his.” He gave what appeared to be a grin, but it quickly faded away. “But now is not the best time, maybe we can continue this conversation later. We must get to more urgent matters.”
Aleron closed the doors. The heavy wooden doors slammed with a loud pound. All were seated at the table except for Kieran and Sophia. They stood at the end of the table. Kieran hasn’t taken his eyes of Zen since he mention is father.
“So. Was everyone’s journey here safe?” Zen asked.
“I ran into a little trouble on my way here.” said Mayze, who was sitting at the center of the table. Mayze was another vampire of importance as well. Clearly he was once human because of how old he looked. He had gray hair and a wrinkled face. But he’s been a vampire long enough to have been rid of all the human traits he once had.
“As did I.” said another to the left of Zen.
“As did I.” Kieran said as well.
Zen looked at Kieran then at the other two. He leaned back in his chair again.
“Did either one of you or your children feed?” he asked, somewhat annoyed. Kieran remained silent as Mayze proudly said no, as well as the other, and waited for Zen to send his attention his way. Kieran, without breaking his stare, nodded yes.
“I trust you made the appropriate measures afterwards?” Mayze said with a look of anger.
“Why?” Kieran replied, breaking his stare away from Zen and pointing it to Mayze. “Would it trouble you if I didn’t? Would it frighten you to the point were you loose sleep?” Mayze was dumbfounded. No one, let alone what Mayze saw as a lower ranking vampire, has ever spoke to him with such tone. The whole room watched in amazement. “What if I did not follow the measures? What if that soldier is still in the woods and is turning at this moment? Is the a scary thought? Do you think the human’s attitude would change in anyway?”
“We have rules Kieran!” Maze exclaimed standing up. “Everyone obeys the rules!“ His voice cracked as he yelled. “You do not obey, the consequences can be lethal. And I don’t give a damn who’s son you are.” Sophia glanced over and saw Kieran tighten his grip on his sword. She alerted herself, and was ready to draw out her blade and fight if she needed to.
“And I don’t give a damn how old you are, how important you think you are, or the size of your coven. If need be I’d strike all them down just to get the pleasure of bleeding you dry.” Kieran’s voice was calm and collected. His eyes slowly turned black. Mayze‘s face turned to a frightened stare. His two guards walked up to the table. One of them slowly put his hand on his sword. Seeing this movement, Sophia drew a throwing dagger from her back. If called for she would launch it right at the guards neck.
“Enough!” Zen proclaimed. “We do not need vampires killing each other. The humans have that covered.” Aleron came around and placed his hand on Kieran’s shoulder. Mayze sat down uneasily. His guards backed away from the table. Sophia, still being alert, kept her eyes fixed on them. “Regardless Kieran, I must know.”
Kieran loosened his grip on his sword. He returned his stare back toward Zen.
“No need to worry. I took all appropriate measures.” Kieran said. “Though, I doubt that will even matter to the humans. All they will see is dead soldiers.”
“Maybe that’s what we want them to see Kieran.” Mayze said annoyed. “Keeps the attention off of us.”
“No it doesn’t. They we just put the blame on our kind even if it wasn’t our doing.” Mayze began to chuckle. Both Sophia and Kieran turned their gazes to him.
“I think our inexperience friend worries too much.” Mayze said toward Zen. “He over estimates the humans.” Before Kieran could say anything, Aleron spoke.
“Or could it be, my lord Mayze, that we are under estimating the humans.”
“Aleron! Don’t tell me your believing what this pip squeak is saying?” Mayze questioned. Kieran felt his hand gripping his sword once again.
“Call it being cautious. But what I have notice over time is that with each generation, the humans have become brighter and more daring.” He begins to walk around the table. “I’ve noticed their attacks are becoming more coordinated and with bigger results. How many times have we heard about Kingdoms conquering another, and another. Something is different from before.” By now he is standing right behind Zen, who has a face deep in thought. “Maybe we do not give them enough credit.” Others around the table began talking to each other. Everyone seemed to be understanding and agreeing with Aleron.
“Nonsense!” Mayze exclaimed. “If the humans are as you say they are, why have they not tried to negotiate? Why not try to stop the bloodshed huh?”
“Maybe because the men that rules them don’t want to!” Kieran proclaimed. “Their gods have damned us as evil monsters. Monsters that stalked the shadows, prey on their children, and destroys all that they see good. We are not worthy of existence remember?”
Before anyone could say anything else, Zen stood up.
“That is enough for today. Lets cool off our heads and mouths. We’ll continue this meeting tomorrow.” Zen announced. Everyone stood up and started to leave the room.
“Politics,” Aleron said behind Kieran, “Is worst when you live forever.”
“I can fixed that.” Kieran said amusing as Aleron walked away.
“Master?” Edward said as Kieran and Sophia entered the room. Kieran just raised his hand in dismissal as he passed Edward. Sophia walked over and sat on one of the beds. She took out her sword and placed it against the wall. Edward walked over to her.
“Is he alright?” he asked. Sophia looked up and frowned.
“I cannot say.” She reached down and began to loosen the straps on her boots.
“Well how did the meeting go?” Edward asked persistently.
“Well…” she paused and formed a slight smile. “There where several times I expected him to pull out his sword and began swinging.”
“Really. I should have been in there.”
“Are you questioning his decision Edward?”
“No. Of course not.”
“Then be quiet so I can get some rest.” She laid back into the bed. Edward stood and watched as she closed her eyes and drifted away. He marveled how beautiful she looked. He wanted to kneel down and stroke her curly dark hair. He has been meaning to confess his love for her, but was always afraid to. Something about her didn’t strike him as a lover.
“I don’t think the message would get across by staring Edward.” Kieran said from his chair. Edward looked up alarmed. He looked over to his master.
“Any suggestions?” Edward asked. Kieran smiled amused. He leaned his head against the wall. “Is something wrong master?”
“Why? Do I look troubled?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact you do. Something vexes you about the meeting?”
“Elders…” Kieran stated. “They tend to complicate things.”
“What you mean master?” Edward asked. Amelia came in from the adjacent room. She walked over to Kieran and knelt besides him. She laid her hands and chin on his arm. Kieran looked down at her. He felt comfort for the first time all day. He looked back up at Edward.
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Vampire Story 2, continuing my story...
