Post: #1

A strong wind blew harshly though the trees, causing the spirits walking among them to be dragged back and forth. Suddenly it dropped to an eerie calm, as if waiting in anticipation. A low thrumming permeated the clearing, following by crackles as magic power arced. It grew in size and power until it coalesced together in a blinding flash.
As the energy died away it revealed the forms of the Council. The journey had overcome many of them, Rayla, Vladamir and the few remaining Blood Dragons lay unconscious. Vekarin groggily stood, helping Victarias to her feet, whilst Drako rubbed his head trying to shake of his nausea. However the ancient Necrach seemed to have suffered the worst. Staggering past the groaning body of Todd, he grasped the body of a tree, steadying himself. He seemed drained to the point of death, and he was feverishly fishing in his robe trying to find something.
“Curses,” he muttered, “that stupid childe of mine has the rest of the potions.” Turning back to the others, he smiled crookedly,
“Well..ah...at least the spell was successful. Unless I am much mistaken, we are in the woods near Nexeternus.” As he made to step forward his remaining strength seemed to leave, and he stumbled down on to his knees. Cursing loudly, he forced himself back to his feet,
“I will be..ah...back shortly, “ he said cryptically, before he disappeared in a burst of dark mist.

Post: #2

Another coach rolled to a stop pulled by two bestial creatures and orchestrated by a pumpkin headed, goatee toting coachman. As the cat leapt atop the coach the peasants began to gather dancing exuberantly. One bent over the decapitated body of the Fool, which promptly dissipated. The curious peasant began to writhe as his body contorted into that of the late Fool. Smiling, he laughed, danced , and sang, the heart of the revelry.

Sighing to himself, Beleeara flicked his tail and the procession moved out, peasants mingled with skeletons, bats fluttering overhead.

******

Nexeterus glistened in the radiant sunlight. Several coaches, leading a menagerie of creatures halted beside the massive structure.

It seems as if we have arrived.

Post: #3

The journey back to Nexeternus had given Vyacheslav much needed time to think and formulate his own plans from the events that had unfolded thus far. As the hooded figure guiding Simon's former Black Coach came to a halt the Vampire disembarked, to be greeted by Ingrid once he had entered the arrival hall of the keep.

******

"The Council is gathering tonight Ingrid." Vyacheslav spoke, rubbing his hands along Nexeternus's ancient walls as he went. "It appears that the Count has gathered a force to combat the Council, we will join them in this conflict."

******

Upon arriving within the throne room Vyacheslav was welcomed by none other then Vadim himself, Arch-Necromancer of Vyacheslav's coven within Wurtbad.

"Vadim arrived during your venture with Micrea." , Ingrid stated. "It appears that Andrea has been kept well informed of our actions and as such sent so items which may be of assistance."

Vyacheslav grinned, "Ah, yes Andrea, I am most pleased to see his loyalties still reside with us, what has he sent?"

The skull like visage of Vadim bowed and retreated back three paces to reveal a large reinforced iron crate behind himself. Kneeling, the Arch-Necromancer opened the lock of the red velvet lined container to reveal the contents with.

******

Nestled within lay three distinct items belonging to both the Countess and the Lord. For Vyacheslav, Andrea von Carstein had sent his great sword, Timor Noctis. A massive two-handed sword whose features consisted of a Dragon-scale hilt, a huge black onyx for it's pommel stone. Laying the sheathed sword aside Vyacheslav removed a layer of red cloth from within the crate, under which was his very own armour sitting snuggly against the soft fabric.

Post: #4

Aurelius looked out the window down at the numerous visitors. "The council members are returning" he said to his visitor without turning around. "They will be necessary" his visitor replied "Mannfred's forces are gathering for an all out strike against us and now he has persuaded the Red Duke and his forces to join him." Aurelius turned slightly "We always knew that would be a possibility." he commented "Indeed" replied his visitor "it was always part of the divine plan" "So we're to go on a war footing then." said Aurelius "You already have Aurelius as we planned so long ago." answered his visitor "What about Sariah? asked Aurelius "the councils not stupid. Not all of them anyway sooner or later they're going to notice her absence." "By the time that occurs the second stage of the plan will be complete and it won't matter if they notice or not. replied the visitor "Just have your forces ready. Mircea will undoubtably want to take overall command of all forces. As you control the largest army in the council you will act as his second in command. Remember you must win! Everything we have is riding on a victory and we have made one or two arrangements to make it easier." "What arrangements?" asked Aurelius turning round. The room was empty his visitor had gone.

Post: #5

Slowly getting up into a sitting position, Todd recalled the teachings he had learnt from the masters in the Far East. Setting his hands upon his lap, he closed his eyes and attempted to set his mind free of the mundane, to let go of and be at one with the world around him. But he could never let go of the hatred and the frustrated rage he had carried within him all these centuries. It was ironic that the very force that had driven him to the distant corners of the world in search of personal perfection and martial excellence had also prevented him from achieving a full mastery of the arts of the Cathayan and Nipponese martial mystics.

Nevertheless, after a short period of half-meditation and careful breath control he had almost fully recovered his stamina. Rising to his feet he pulled his 2 companions up as well, before turning to face the rest of the council.

"Ah, home sweet home. Or not. Heh. Well then, shall we test Simon's room service?"

Post: #6

Katrina put her head in her hands "Ugghh I feel like my head was caught between an anvil and a hammer" climbing to her feet she looked around "First I suggest we regroup and find out how Simons group fared". Slowly she began to make her way towards Simons Castile "Besides I think my neice may be awake by now".



Mouse moved towards the Castile the thirst burned through her urging her to move towards the village she saw in the distance. "No I won't" she thought pulling her hood farther down over her face.

Post: #7

As the council cleared the shade of the trees, a few hissed in displeasure at the glaring sun. Suddenly one of the Blood Dragon knights let out a cry of pain, before moments later flaring into a burning torch.
Rayla looked away as the vampire slowly burnt to ash, and silently thanked her Mistress for teaching her how to ignore the sun's effects.
"Those with weak wills deserve to perish," Drako said coldly, looking on the empty armour of his dead brethren. Overhead the sun disappeared as the black clouds covering Simon's lands quenched the sun once more. Ahead lay the ruin of Nexeternus. From here is looked like it was covered in thousands of teeming ants, but Rayla knew they would be more dead, summoned to restore the castle to its former glory.
In the distance they could see a number of dark coaches rumbling towards the keep, whilst on the killing plains in front of the curtain wall, a number of undead seemed to be slowly forming into regiments.
"It looks as if the army of Nexeternus is marshalling," Rayla said, looking puzzled at the other vampires.

Post: #8

Long pale fingers lifted oof the cover of the cofin as Mircea lifted hismelf out ofhis resting place and slid out of his black coach. Striding out he saw the vast legions of Nexenterus assembling in their multitude.

Rank upon rank of warriors from his own forces were entering, the his sombre black heraldry idetifiying them. He could spot the figures of his own brood, Luke and Jan amoung them. giving a girm smile he raised his arms.

''Rise! Wash away the decay of your life and asemble! Bow to me!'' he cried, his black cape billowing around him like batwings as magical shadows writhed around him and small flocks of chittering bats gatered near him.

His face turned into a daemonic mask as his eyes glowed red. Vast amounts of dark magic crackled in the air as Mircea chanelled his will over the vast undead horde. that covered the fields as far as the eye could see.

At last, here was an army that could topple nations, a dark host that only a von Carstein was fit to command. This did much to raise the vampire's spirit. He glanced at the ornate ring on his claw and laughed triumphantly.

He was invincible.

Post: #9

"It appears that our esteemed hosts have been busy," Drako commented dryly as the undead forces of Nexeternus marched past him. Atop the highest tower, he could see Mircea. 'I wonder what he's up to?' he thought. Spotting one of Nexeternus' Necromancers, he stopped the him. "What's going on Necromancer?"
"The forces of the Red Duke has allied with Mannfred von Carstein - URK!" the sorceror was lifted off his feet by the now enraged Vampire. Drako felt like everything around him was dissolving into a red mist of rage. Since the loss of his lover Niamah, he had bottled up all the anger, frustration and sorrow over losing her; the mention of his hated sire's name brought it all out. He clenched his fist - "
"Drako! Snap out of it!" Hearing Derek's voice, the red mist parted, leaving Drako standing there the Necromancer's body hanging limply in his hand, his neck broken. Cursing Drako dropped the dead spellcaster, before returning to others, thanlkful that they hadn't seen him.
"Remember Derek, Mannfred is mine!" as the older vampire walked back, Derek cast a worried look at his mentor.

Post: #10

"Don't get too far ahead of yourself uncle. The bulk of the forces in the Border Princes serve my will." said Aurelius appearing behind Mircea "I think that makes me second in command of our glorius undertaking." Mircea turned to face him "Yes I suppose it does. Just like old times really except that this time I am supreme." he said holding up his hand and presenting the ring of their patriarch. If Aurelius was shocked by the development he did not show it. "The bearer of the von Carstein ring is the rightful ruler of all the von Carstein vampires. As representative of my late brothers faction it falls to you to swear allegience on their behalf." said Mircea. "Of course." said Aurelius "I on behalf of my faction hereby swear eternal allegience to the bearer of the von Carstein ring to follow in the wake of our rightful lord and to strike down all who deny his rightful claim to this world."

Post: #11

Mircea listened to him and was outwardly pleased. But inside their was something faintly bothering him. But he quickly dismissed that. ''Well then my nephew we should down and meet the others I have the feeling that we should talk strategy in preperation'' he said. Turning around, cape swirling as as the wind blew into his black hair as he came down from the tower twords the recently arrive councill.

Post: #12

Vekarin waited behind the Vampires heading towards Nexeternus. Less than a third of his original force had returned from the failed expedition, but Vekarin rallied them.
If he was to return to Nexeternus, at least he would do it at the head of an army.

Striding through his troops, Vekarin found the Necromancer Zosz repairing broken skeleton warriors.
"Necromancer." Vekarin caught the dark robed figure's attention.
"Leave your work here. Return to the Violet Citadel." Vekarin looked down, stooped quickly and snatched a tiny pebble from the ground and looked at it for a moment, as if sizing up it's worth. Satisfied, Vekarin pressed it against the Mask of Skulls that rested upon his head. There was a brief flash of light, and Vekarin handed the pebble to Zosz.
A small arcane rune had appeared engraved upon the stone.
"Give this to Feremini Mors. Per my orders, he'll know what to do."
Zosz nodded, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Vekarin turned to Victarias who stood by his side.
"And now, my lady. You have wanted to see the mighty Nexeternus."

Post: #13

Pulling on the reins the Duke drew his steed to a halt. His army had made good time, as he had expected. Ahead he could see the rock that marked the entrance to underway.
The underway was a blessing he had used many times. Parts of it seemed dwarven, whilst in other areas he had encountered the scuttling skaven. Either way they did not bother him, they died all the same. However its real use was the ability to move his forces unseen from enemy eyes. The dead knew no hunger or fatigue, and constantly marching ensured he could swiftly cover distances it would take human armies months to do.
The sound of cantering drew his attention as Francoise drew up.
"All our numbers are accounted for my Lord," he said, "should we make camp?"
"No," the replied, "we wait until Merovich arrives with the Knights of the Blood Keep, and then we make haste to the meeting."
"As you wish my Lord," Francoise said respectfully, before moving out to deliver the Duke's orders. Looking up at the passing moon, the Duke pondered how long his get would take to arrive. If Merovich failed him again, the punishment would be....severe.

******************
Entering the main doors Rayla was greeted by the dour face or Mircea.
"My lord," she said stiffly. She still did not feel well disposed to either Mircea or Simon since their refusal to aid her mistress. As she made to speak once more some caught her eye. her eyes opened in shock as she caught sight of the ring Mircea's finger. She had heard enough stories of her Mistress and Master to guess what it was, she had not realised the Carsteins quest for the Carstein Ring would actually be successful.
"It would appear congratulations are in order my Lord," she said looking pointedly at the Ring. Suddenly it struck her as odd that the Lord of Nexeternus was not here, especially because if anyone had claimed the Ring, Rayla would have assumed it would be him.
"Where is the Lord Simon and Lady Sariah?" she asked.

Post: #14

A strange look crossed the vampire lord’s face. ‘’My brother is dead’’ Mircea stated bluntly. ’’He got his head blown off, Sariah has gone into seclusion, I would imagine her husband’s death would not do to much to help her sanity’’ he said dryly.

He waved his arm dismissively’’ But we cannot worry about that now, from what my scouts tell me that Mannfred is moving out, and in strength. Aurelius has combined his troops with mine and I need to gather the other forces in order to survive against Mannfred’’ he said grimly.

‘’Now where is your Master? Did we not depart with you also?’’

Post: #15

Silence stretched threw the room as Rayla's eyes lowered to the floor.
"Well?" Mircea demanded, either ignorant or uncaring for the young vampires feelings, "Has your Master come back with you or not? And on that note where is your Mistress as well?"
"Our jolly trip was not as fruitful as we hoped," Todd finally answered, razor blade twisting expertly between his fingers. This response was met with a cold look from Mircea. The vampire lord did not suffer fools nor cryptic answers.
"Neither my Master or Mistress was at the Black Tower," Rayla said despondently, "we do not know where they are, though I fear the worst."

Post: #16

''Well that's quite unforutunate, we seem to be dropping left and right like flies'' Mircea muttered angerly to himself. That changed his plans. ''I would suggest then you take over whatever forces you can get your hands on whatever forces you can, I think that Mannfred while soon be here and it would not be good for us to go off on another search while he approaches.'' he said.

Then he looked around his forehead creasing in thought. '' I belive that I saw Vekarin with you earlier, were is he? Do not tell me he decided to leave suddenly?''

Post: #17

Katrina eyed the ring on Mirceas finger with mild contempt. "This is the most prized trophy of the von Carstine Bloodline,this worthless little trinket!" she said snapped irritably "I thought Simon to have more sense then to sacrifice himself for such a foolish quest!".




**************************************************​****

Graveclaw heaved himself over the ledge,smoke rose from his massive, blistered shoulders as he drug himself forwards,every movement a new torture. "Musssst make it into cave" he grunted. a slight sigh of relief escaped his mouth as he entered the soothing shade of his cave. "Great one!" a voice shrieked, as a hunched human-like creater, clad in crude robes scampered over to Graveclaws monstrous bulk Graveclaw growled threateningly at the Ghoul "leave Graveclaw be Gassst!" he roared, the ghoul retreated backwards from the enraged vampire "Yesss great one asss massster commandssss". Graveclaw slowly and painfully made his way through the main chamber of his cave,the members of his Clan groveling in the dirt crawling after the monstrous vampire their God,their master . The Strogie payed little heed to their groveling entering a smaller chamber he aproched a large stone sarcophagus growling he lifted the heavy lid,before crawling inside immediately after the lid slammed shut did Graveclaw allow the darkness to consume him.

Post: #18

"HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY SIRE YOU HARLOT! snarled Aurelius finally losing his temper with Katrina "My sire was an honourable being despite the misgivings of every other vampire in this council he shielded you from your family with the lives of our people and the stones of this fortress and for what! What have you contributed apart from giving great uncle Mannfred a new ally against us.

Post: #19

''Indeed'' Mircea narrowed his red eyes. ''I would kill you now were you stand if not for the fact I need every ally I can get against Mannfred, but don't think that get's you off the hook, woman. I have a long time to prepare revenge, assuming we survive that is'' he spoke coldly.

Post: #20

"Enough of this!" Vyacheslav demanded, appearing at the end of the hall fully clad in armour and ready for battle. His eyes flashing a deep shade of red as he glared at Katrina and Graveclaw.
"We are here to combat the Traitor, not each other. There will be time for such things later."