Post: #1

Rayla and Rowhaine watched as the council fragmented, seemingly without their mistress or master the vampires seemed to lose interest in co-operation. Since Milosh had ran out they had waited for his return, worried of their masters dark temper, yet they knew deep down he was not returning.
Rayla nudged Rowhaine in the ribs,
"What? he snarled,
"We need to do something," she hissed, "if they are planning on going after the Mistress, we should go too, maybe the Master will be there too." Rowhaine shrugged his shoulders, before sighing,
"Ok then, so what do we do now?" he asked,
"Gather the members of teh council who wish to go I suppose," she replied nodding after the departing members, "you go look for the rat and Graveclaw, I'll go have a word with Todd."
As Rowhaine stalked off she found the razor wielding vampire,
"Greetings Lord Todd, I am Rayla, get of Mistress Lesa, me and my brother will be accompanying you to the Land of the Tomb Kings, will the rest of your entourage also be joining us?"

****************

Outside in the gloom Rowhaine seacrhed, eventually coming across Graveclaw,
"What do you wantssss?" the strigoi snarled, flexing his claws. Rowhaine growled back, only just controlling the animal inside himself,
"You owe a lot to my Mistress, she saved your life and you let her be taken. Your coming with us to save her." As Graveclaw reared up, roaring in anger Rowhaine simply walked away. Thought he gave the impression of brutishness, he was far from stupid and knew Graveclaw's innate sense of honour would win him over.
As he was walking he stumbled over something on the ground, looking down he realised he had found the Sammael, lying unconscious in the dirt. He didn't look hurt yet shaking him did nothing, muttering under his breath the vampire lifted him onto his broad shoulders before carrying him back inside.

Post: #2

Sammael slowly opened his eyes. The scene which greeted him was a familiar one. The jungle, the temple city, the great stepped pyramid, all familiar yet distorted. All appeared as ghostly specters of that which Sammael remembered. Even time was affected, it moved at an exaggerated pace around him. Ethereal skink attendants moved to and fro, eraptured by their duties, moved by necessity.

Yet the odd scene was not what drew Sammael, it was the immovable form which refused to succumb to the distortion which surrounded it. A calm within the storm, an ancient being heedles of the dance of time, Lord Marakesh. Him only seemed to notice Sammael. His piercing stare delving into Sammael's very being, just as he had done so long ago, when Sammael first lay postrate before his glorious form....

"The only fate is that which we make for ourselves", Sammael whispered.

"I shall turn the machinations of the enemy upon itself, the weapon shall be turned upon its master."

An aura of approval emanated fromt he ancient Slaan before him, and the vision before him began to melt away.

Post: #3

Sweeney Todd turned to look at the young vampire and replied.

"Well, my dear lass, unless our Skaven 'friend' wants to brew enough potion for a few thousand, I highly doubt most of my entourage will be coming. Though I am bringing in some special assistance..."

*********

Amidst the unnatural storm rode a Black Coach. The faint screaming at the very edge of Geralt's hearing only served to disturb him, and further the doubts he had ever since accepting the long term contract offered by a vampire of all things.

He stared back at the blank eyes of Toby. Ever since one time where he had tried to strike a conversation with the lad he found out that the lad was no longer truly himself(he suspected the suspcious-looking collar the boy always wore). He had not bothered again ever since. The rest of the journey passed in silence as the coach brought them towards the large keep in the distance.

Post: #4

V'azrin transported back to the the entrance of Simons, now ruined, fortress. Having left Damek in charge of the tower and having him mobilise all of the Cultists he was fairly sure it was safe enough to go looking for the fool of a childe Milosh and young Lesa.
You better not be dead yet Lesa...I've still to show you the true power of Necromancy the necrarch thought to himself as he sought out a familar face.
"And where the hell is Gemo" he muttered to himself
---
Having Fed Reshorn now felt much better, although still in slight pain from V'azrins over-zealous punishment. Looking over at Katie he smiled faintly as she finished draining one of the women Gemo had brought, Reshorn himself had taken two. Looking over at Gemo he frowned faintly
I don't trust her he thought nervously, sadly he wasn't sure how far the girls abilities went or how strong she truely was.
"Ah Gemo...perhaps you should return to the tower now? It might be safer after all" suggested Reshorn
With a tilt of her head Gemo answered
"As you command Lord Reshorn" she said softly before vanishing in a flash of light.
Frowning at a now empty space the Necrarch sighed looking over at the young get near him
"I suppose you'll want to go looking for you sire...err...Lesa now? Well if you do I might as well tag along" he said with a grin.

Post: #5

Graveclaw roared at the retreating vampire "Graveclaw owessss nothing!". Dropping down on all fours he made his way back to the castile.


Katrina moved into the next room where Reshorn and Katie were, pausing she looked at them "Well will you look at this the Necrarch is a cradle robber" she thought "Ahem.. you Necrarch do you know where your sire is I need to speak with him" she said smiling as they both jumped.

Post: #6

Rayla nodded at Todd's words,
"Sorry, I was meaning your wife and...ah....the patissiere." As the form of V'azrin suddenly appeared Rayla looked in relief at the more recognisable, if rotten face.
"Lord V'azrin!" she called crossing over to the Necrach, "I am pleased to see you, we getting ready to leave, to find the Black Tower and rescue the Mistress. I hope you will be coming with us?" Before he could answer they were interrupted by the form of Rowhaine, striding into the room he unceremoniously dumped Sammaels body on the ground.
"Found it lying outside," he said derisively, "and the Strigoi too, burying Mouse. Told him to come with us, but I don't think he will."

Post: #7

A dark shadow crossed Sweeney Todd's face. Rayla calling Mrs. Lovette his wife had reminded him of his actual wife, still unavenged all these centuries as he bided his time in preparation for the day he could finish his vendetta. The thought of him being unable to avenge her had long since festered within him, like a knife twisted into his soul. Lesa's get had brought it back to the fore and for a moment his face became a mask of equal parts rage and pure hate. It disappeared almost as quickly as it came as Todd regained his composure.

"Do not call her my wife. She is not, merely a friend and my assistant. And yes, she will be coming. But the Patisserie will not."

*********

As the coach stopped, the vampire lad gestured for Geralt to get off and follow him into the castle. Following behind Toby, he raised a cautious eyebrow at the sight of the shambling Strigoi apparently going the same way. His unease continued to grow and his hands involuntarily drifted slightly towards the two sheathed swords strapped on his back.

Post: #8

"Of course I will Rayla, we can't allow anything to happen to Mistress Lesa" rasped V'azrin not unkindly.
The Necrarch smiled faintly at Rayla before turning around to stare at Sammael's still form causing the vampires expression to twist into one of cold curiosity. He continued to stare at the creature for a long moment before Rayla coughed gently
"Ah...Lord V'azrin...are you going to bring your Mortal Necromancers?" quested the Vampiress.
V'azrin frowned and turned around to look at Rayla seemingly confused for a moment before his gaze focused on the girl
"Ah...erm...ah yes...the Pale Order? No,no they shall not be coming, for no matter how powerful Arkhan is...and believe me...I have witnessed such power first hand, I will require the order fully rested and uninjured as a whole when the time comes for Nagash's -true- strike." said V'azrin ending his statement softly.
Rayla opened her mouth to question the elderly Necrarch further but he swiftly raised a hand to point over the female immortals shoulder
"However, I believe two more of our precious kind approach Lady...I'm sure they shall wish to assist us" said V'azrin with a smirk.
Turning around Rayla saw the pretty form of young Katie approach with the twisted form of the ancient Reshorn.

Post: #9

The back of Geralt's scarred neck tingled as the hulking form of Graveclaw sniffed at him, suspicious of this mortal that did not smell like any other he had ever met. Thankfully Mrs. Lovette quickly appeared.

"Hello there! I'd ask you to come and make yourself at home but the weather's a bit creepy isn't it? Come, this way, Mr. Todd is waiting for you" Mrs. Lovette quickly ushered him out of the sight of the other Strigoi. 'Creepy weather' was a big understatement because it was obvious that powerful necromancies were at work.

Immediately after Mrs. Lovette and Toby appeared at the ragtag gathering of vampires with Geralt, Sweeney Todd quickly came over with a smile and an outstretched hand

"Well met, my man! It's been some time!" Geralt had came across many vampires in his line of work, and slain most of them, but Todd was the only one he'd met who actually behaved like an altogether sane merchant on a reliable basis. He shook his hand with a small modicum of trust that he wouldn't even give to many mortals, and took a good look at the ragtag gathering of vampires. Most of them were those wizened and typically insane Necrachs, and there was that pretty young undead thing reminded him very much of the time when he was ambushed by a trio of seductive Lahmians, and even an unconscious horned Skaven in tow. One of the Necrachs was particularly ancient and powerful, ancient enough in fact that Geralt wouldn't be surprised if he remembered a time before Sigmar. Clearly things were afoot for such an unlikely collection of vampires to be even in the same room together.

Post: #10

Rayla smiled weakly as she saw Katie,
“Thank the gods you are ok sister,” she said going across and embracing her warmly, “after your disappeared I feared the worst had happened.” Katie returned the embrace just has warmly,
“It nearly did, but that rat was too stupid to simply kill me straight out. I returned here and-” She broke off, tears welling up in her eyes, “I saw - saw that thing take the Mistress!” Too Rayla’s surprise Reshorn stepped closer to her sister, hand placed tentatively on her shoulder, before a glare from V’azrin made him snatch it away. The thought was there though and Katie glanced at him bashfully, much to Rayla’s concern, though if rotting corpses was her sisters taste, she supposed it was none of her business.
“No accounting for taste,” came the voice of Katrina, she had followed the pair back in search for V’azrin, even as she said the words the image of Graveclaw came to her mind, and she realised she was just as bad, after what had happened in hell her feelings had not changed, though Karl may have done,
“I have asked before, what of the Red Duke? Merovich will report back to him.”
“And we will defeat him!” came a deep voice, turning round in surprise they saw Drako, limping into the room followed by a number of other Blood Dragons, as he what remained of the council he stopped,
“What has happened? Where are the other members of the council?” As no one seemed to want to say anything Rayla stepped forward,
“The few you see here, as well as hopefully the Lord Vekarin, are readying themselves to rescue a fellow council member. The Lords Simon, Mircea have…..other business.” she finished though the thought did burn in her mind, of the fact the some of the strongest of the council, were the first to not show her support when needed.
“What of Cromwell, your Master?” Drako queried,
“It is his wife, my Mistress who has been kidnapped, we fear he has gone after her alone, and considering who has taken my Mistress, it is something he cannot do alone.” Fear was evident in her tone, eyes wide and the Blood Dragons looked in consternation at what would cause such worry in a vampire,
“My Mistress was taken by Arkhan the Black,” Rayla finished, obviously upset. Drako let out a snarl or anger and despite his wounds he stepped forward,
“Then I shall go with you, that bastard took my Niamah, I would do any to avenge her,” A gauntleted hand was placed on the furious vampires shoulder as another large warrior calmed him,
“Do let it control my friend, use it, store it, and when it is needed, use against those who deserve it most.” The stranger turned to the council,
“My apologies for lack of introduction, I am Vladamir. I was part of Merovich’s forces however I was….misinformed as to your goals. I have sworn to follow Drako and help rid the world of the shadow of the Lord of Undeath. These warriors are those who also see the true and honourable cause,” he said gesturing to the twenty Blood Dragon knights, “we follow Drako, and as such will aid in the rescue of your Mistress.”
“More brain-dead Blood Dragons, very helpful,” V’azrin muttered under his breath sarcastically, though luckily it was not heard by the assembled warriors.
“I thank you,” Rayla said uncertainly, “we are just trying to make the arrangements, this skaven was supposed to be a new council member, and help us travel there……but he seems to be unconscious.”
“Well if he needs waking up?” Rowhaine said as he picked up the skaven by his throat, “a slap always does wonders.”
“No!” Rayla snapped before turning to V’azrin, “My lord, with your….ah… experience, perhaps you would be best to lead this expedition and wake Sammael?”

Post: #11

Graveclaw shoved his way into the throne room "Were issss the Dragon ssssspawn" he snarled angrily. the assembled Council members turned towards him "Theressss ssssomthing Graveclaw needsss to assssk him".



Katrina looked at Gaveclaw strangely "He is in Simons dungeon Graveclaw" she answered carefully, the look in the Strogis eyes was irrational,witch meant he was prone to do something rash.

Graveclaw snarled and stormed out of the room trying to find his way into the dungeon.

Post: #12

In the shadows of Nexeturnus' walls a pair of small, dark figures moved silently towards the gates. They stopped more than twenty yards distant from the wreckage, however, pausing to sniff the air.
"She certainly passed this way, master," spoke one of the shadows in a low murmur.
The other hissed in anger, "While she is inside-side with the rest of the cursed Council, we cannot-not reach her. We will have to wait."
The other figure seemed to slump in relief, as though it had been expecting its master to command a suicide attack.
"When they move out, she will-will die."

Post: #13

Magneqrox screamed in pain which shook the foundations of Nexeternus. Lucius smiled as he continued to brand his prisoner with a hot metal stamp leaving Simon's mark a wolf's skull and crossed scythes. Removing it he said "Too hot? Why don't I cool it down for you." Removing the stopper from a bottle he emptied the contents on to Magneqrox's chest over the mark Magneqrox screamed and struggled futilely against his chains. "You were warned about the consequences of going against Lord Simon. He has been more than patient with you. But his patience is lost now and you will pay the price.

Post: #14

The mention of the Great Necromancer gave Sweeney Todd pause. He had come to the council believing their objective to be the overthrow of Mannfred. His death would trigger a power struggle to fill the vacuum he would leave in Sylvania, necessitating the Empire shifting massive amounts of troops to prepare for the next War of the Vampire Counts. Only then would he be able to strike, and finally enjoy granting Judge Turpin a very slow and painful death. This deduction was the main reason he had joined the Council in the first place. But his wife definitely wouldn't have wanted the world Nagash envisaged, and he had dedicated his entire unlife to her memory. It was decided. There would be no change to his own plans.

Upon seeing the furious vampire Todd recalled bumping into him in Karak Eight Peaks as he was carving through the Dwarf Slayers, and called out to him.

"Hey, you're the bloke in the dwarf tunnels aren't you? Glad to have you here with us, my good chap. And while we're at it, allow me to introduce Geralt here. If anyone here is interested in the goings on in the Empire you might know of him. He will be assisting me, and by extension, all of us."

Post: #15

Rayla jumped as a roar sounded through the castle, looking as her brother he laughed at her expression,
"Magneqrox finally getting what he deserves," he said with some satisfaction, "though with the look that the Strigoi had I think he's got worse to come." Nodding in agreement Rayla turned to the newcomer,
"Welcome Lord Geralt, and thank you for your assistance. It is my mistress that we are hoping to rescue."
Drako looked at the introductions with limited interest, nodding in greeting at Todd's recognition, before addressing them,
"So are you going to wake up the skaven? If the Mistress is indeed in the hands of Arkhan, the longer we leave her the more likely she will be dead when we find her."
A sudden screech filled the room before form of Lesa's pet daemon flew through the door. As it recognised Rayla it stopped, hovering in midair. A barrage of images assaulted her mind as it tried to convey its mistresses plight.
"Stop - stop it!" Rayla cried, "I know! I know!" At the cries the daemon stopped, but still hovered in front as if waiting for instructions. Rayla turned to V'azrin who was looking with interest,
"It doesn't know where my Mistress is, but it is bound to her. It will look for her until the end of time or until it is destroyed. I don't know what to tell it to do though. It doesn't have much power, it just normally aids my Mistress and watches for enemies." The necrach stared before replying,
"Most...interesting. A bound daemon will normally be gleeful of its masters demise, yet this one seems to almost care. I will have to discuss this...hmmmm," V'azrin faltered off, staring thoughtfully into space, before a cough brought back his attention,
"Ah, presuming it has the speed of a daemon, perhaps it can ascertain if the Lord Vekarin will be joining us?" Rayla nodded in agreement, before mentally sending the instructions. A moment later the daemon shot back out of the door in a blur.

****************************************

Some time later a blurring shape slowed to reveal the form of the daemon. It had found its quarry, following its instructions it flew in front of the amoured shape, taking care to stay out of sword range. As Vekarin turned to look at the daemon he too was subject to a barrage of images, of Lesa being kidnapped, of Rayla's plea for help, before it stopped, waiting for the response.

Post: #16

Graveclaw moved through Simons castle always downwards towards the dungeons sniffing at the ground. A Blood Dragon had killed Mouse and his scent was on her. The dragon-spawn most likely knew where the Blood Dragon had fled, and Graveclaw was going to get the information out of him one way or another.
Graveclaw froze as he picked up a scent,
"Carssstein," he hissed turning and following the hated smell down the corridor.


Katrina stood listening as the other Vampires discussed the best course of action,
"From what I understand the Liches tower moves each morning," she said loudly.

Post: #17

A cough emanated from the crumpled skaven form. Sammael's eyes fluttered open as he shakily rose to his feet.
"You are correct, the Black Tower never appears in a new location each morning."
Weariness and exhaustion permeated Sammael's features.
"We must hasten to Nehekhara, once there my sentries will locate the accursed tower and with any luck we shall find Mistress Lesa."
He began coughing violently, blood dripping down his chin.
"Prepare yourselves, I have gathered the necessary ingredients and shall begin brewing the potion."
With that he hobbled off.

Post: #18

Immediately after Sammael left, Sweeney Todd turned to Geralt and began to speak to him, keeping his voice low to ensure that noone besides the two of them and Mrs. Lovette could hear them.

"And that is the first reason why I asked for you to come. I believe you know about how trustworthy Skaven are, so when he is done I want you to work with Mrs. Lovette to ensure that potion doesn't have any...undesired side effects."

Geralt felt uncertain. He had some experience in the field of alchemy but he was by no means a specialist. Thus he could only give a noncommittal answer.

"I'll see what I can do."

Post: #19

Glad that the Skaven had finally awoke, Rayla moved next to her brother,
"Are you sure we should be doing this? We are powerful lords like the others." Rowhaine looked down at her, before shaking his head,
"What else are we to do? You know as well as I where the master will have gone. If they have a good idea where we could find them, we should try." Nodding her head Rayla looked round as the assembled vampires made themselves ready. V'azrin conversing with his get, whilst still staring daggers at Katie. Drako, Valdamir and the other Blood Dragons checking their weapons and armour.
"Well we are as ready as we will ever be, " she murmured to Rowhaine, hoping that the skaven would be quick.

Post: #20

The conflict with the daemon had greatly tired him, but Sammael worked as fast as possible. He muttered incantations, swirled ingredients, and filled vials. Once he was satisfied he returned to the assembled vampires.

With a strained smile Sammael spoke weakly, "It may not be the most delectable concoction but....drink up, and we can be on our way."