TVC - Chapter 34 - Friend or Foe

[Onikaigo]

Niklaus moves at Peters side, looking quite the Vagabond. Perhaps he can turn this to his advantage? Though walking into the lair of a strong Vampire Count reeking of blood, and still bearing it on your clothing cannot be considered tactful....

As Peter kneels beside him, Niklaus gives a bow to count Simon. He bows from the waist, as a peasant, or scholar, though his looks clearly belie that assessment. Strangely enough, his eyes are attracted to the Female Vampire only briefly, then breaks contact easily. Could it be he has some sort of resilience, or simply more willpower than is shown?

After Peter speaks, he would straighten his back, speaking in turn. "I am Niklaus. Peter Von Krahe assisted me in the destruction of some Hunters who had taken too personal of an interest in me." Chuckling, his voice is still feral, though holding a very, very slight refined edge. Almost like a steel gauntlet carried in a tattered velvet glove. Though, underneath it all is a tint of madness for those that can hear it.

"I ask for your hospitality for the coming light, Milord. My haven was....compromised. I wish to stay near to Peter Von Krahe in order to repay my substantial debt."

Well spoken, yet bestial; feral. Standing in your court, reeking of blood and gore, he seems like he should wear the monks habit he is standing in, yet at the same time pretensions toward the finery he sees about him.

Icharus, Icharus who flew too high....

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"I accept you into my service Peter" said Simon rising from the throne "its so nice to have a blood dragon on my side for a change" he added turning to Nicklaus he said "and of what bloodline are you? Bloodied one."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa watched the two newcomers thoughtfully, before addressing them.

"Whilst I have no doubt Simon welcome's you into his service, you enter much more than that. No doubt you must have heard of a Council," she asked, before laughing mirthlessly , "it seems the whole world has now heard of it. To work for Simon, is to join the armies of the Council. To fight in the armies of the Council is to fight the forces of Nagash." At the mention of the Necromancers name, both vampires looked up in shock, bringing another smile to Lesa's lips.

"On behalf of the rest of the Council, I welcome you. But you should know, this venture will most likely end in all our deaths."

 

[Count Feldenhaus]

Glyre scurried through the twisting corridors of Drakenhof until he came to the room that had been given to Aramaeus.
He knocked twice.
"Hello, Lord Glyre, why do you wish to see me?" The old necromancer asked, surprised by Glyre's sudden appearance.
"I'm beginning to question Simon's goals, and feel that something is amiss in this castle." Glyre stated coldly. Aramaeus' eyes lit up, and Glyre could tell that he had similar feelings. "Aramaeus, I have a plan, but for it to work, it requires your cooperation." At this, Glyre whispered his plan to Aramaeus, who smirked upon hearing it.
"Yes, yes my lord, it will be done." Aramaeus strode down the hallway, intent on pleasing his master.

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Peter recovered from his initial shock quickly. Yes, he had been taken a back by hearing the Great Necromancer's name. But peter had always suspected that Nagash had always been influencing Mannfred's choices for a along time. Destroying the puppet was sure to anger the puppetmaster.

"Mistress Lahamian, the occupants of this castle have long had a habit of getting themselves into trouble. This battle will just be another in the long line of conflicts that I thought was going to be my last. Lord Simon has got himself into this mess. Now I am mearly in it wth him."

Peter got to his feet.

"So, where are my services required?" he asked the female vampire, judging that she was equally in charge of the Council as his new master.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"That is for your Lord to decide," Lesa answered, "Whilst Simon is part of the Council, we do not command his assets, anymore than he does anyone elses. However I would not take this as lightly as you have done, for our failure this time will likely have you tortured for eternity by the Dark Lord."

 

[Onikaigo]

Niklaus is staggered, but the only mention of his shock are the slight widening of his eyes. Controlling himself, he smiles.

There shall be blood. Even though dried, the unabated bloodshed shall be...vitalizing. The prospect is tempting. Tilting his head to the side, he speaks to Countess Lesa with a light curious tone.

"The Great Lord knows of your plans?" The look on Lesa's face would be enough of an answer.

With a chuckle of rasping paper and flaring madness, he seals his fate on the flip of a coin, if he had one.

"I shall join you." Stepping forward to Peters side, he looks at the grim faced Vampire a moment, then laughs aloud, his voice echoing with mad intent. Catching himself after a moment, he sketches a Bow to the Count and Countess, speaking, "If I may be excused, your Grace, are there any quarters I might find suitable clothing within? I fear that for the coming Apocalypse I am underdressed."

 

[Count Feldenhaus]

Aramaeus burst into Simon's grand hall, interupting all conversation their. Many turned to look at him, as he bowed before the Vampire.
"Lord Simon VonCarstein, my lord, Glyre, would like to apologize for any disrespect he has shown you, and instead would like to pledge himself completely to you, as your humble servant!" Aramaeus boomed, a twinkle in his eye. He was intentionally being very dramatic, and received many strange looks.

Meanwhile, Mistress Emilya had returned to Castle Gor'Drak, where she hurried through the castle on her way to the darkest depths of the cellar. She barely noticed the almost complete reconstruction of the battlements.
At long last, she reached the secret catacombs beneath the fortress, where the secret weapon of the Feldenhaus' slept. She slowly went over to a red coffin, and lifted the lid off it as she mouthed an incantation. At that, what slept in the coffin slowly rose, and with it a small yellow bird flew out, and perched on his shoulder. It was blindfolded.
"Servant! Now is the time for you to rise up, and serve the Feldenhaus family!" Emilya shouted to the man, who was stretching.
"You know my name, I am Kagekiba, warrior of Nippon." He said, as he reached for his weapon. Emilya's eyes opened widely, he wasn't supposed to be capable of thought, Aramaeus had promised that, as had Glyre. She began to sweat, fearing the vengeance of the warrior. She had often mistreated him during his time in their service, but he was always locked away safely.
"Emilya, I don't like to kill, you know that. But then, how can you kill what's already dead?" At this, Emilya gasped and stepped back, but then realised that he couldn't kill he, he didn't know anything about what a vampire was. But then she noticed that he reached for the blindfold on his bid, and when he removed it she peered straight into its black, otherwordly eyes. Slowly, she realized with horror at what was happening, she was becoming frozen, a statue of jade, and could do nothing about it.
"From what I know, Ishimetsuki's affect is irreversible....oh, and it only works on the weak of mind. Enjoy eternity." At this, Kagekiba walked slowly out of Gor'drak, followed by his cockatrice. He didn't know where he was going, but was content to wander until he found another of his kind.

 

[Ghouly]

Graveclaw licked his teeth,
"Would V'assssrin have come if Graveclaw asssssked?" he rumbled. V'azrin considered the Strogi's question for a moment, before finally shaking his head.
"No," the wizened vampire admitted, causing Graveclaw to smile. The rows of massive sharp teeth was a very disturbing sight.
"Come. Graveclaw sssow you." Not waiting for a answer the Strigoi reached out and seized V'azrin by the back of his robes, and put him on his back.
"Hold on." he growled before tearing off through the forest.

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Peter turned his gaze back to Lesa.

“Oh Mistress, I do not take this quest lightly. Never in my unlife have I been so afraid. But you forget, 2500 years ago, the Lord of the Undead was bested by Sigmar. He, despite what his zealous followers claim, was but a mortal. We are the greatest alliance of Vampire Lords gathered since Lahamia fell.”

Inside, Peter knew that the quest was not as easy as he made out. But he felt a strange desire to impress the woman before him.

“I place my forces at the disposal of Lord von Carstein and the Council” he said. As if that was going to alter this, a voice said in his head.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Then why does your master not pledge himself to me personally?" Simon asked looking at Aramaeus with suspicion. "Looking back to peter he said "Yes you will."

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Peter was shocked by the new comer's cheek. At least the new Count's reign was not going to be dull.

"Excuse my rudeness my Lord, but I request that who deploy my forces as soon as possible. I am a general, not a politician. Surely my skills are better served defending your borders than forging alliances in Drakenhof." Peter was keen to get going. Being around this number of new vampires made him uneasy.

 

[Onikaigo]

Niklaus has been completely ignored! Still chuckling to himself, he begins to stride off toward the entry way where the Strigoi had entered from, considering that to be the most proper path to finding a change of clothes and rest. His condition is obviously wounded, and he would not wish to allow the rest of the Vampires present the allowance of knowing how truly weakened his current condition is.

Remembering his manners, he would turn and sketch a quick bow, red gleaming eyes glinting of madness. "Forgive me, My lords and Lady. Is there any further need of me?"
Madness laces his words as well, obvious. His decision to support the rebellion versus the Great Lord was spurious and spontaneous, to be sure. Throwing his weight against a mountain, in truth. Yet, here he stands, a somewhat smile upon his face, standing now a pace or two behind Peter von Krahe with his hands clasped behind his back, looking much like a decimated, simple minded monk with nothing better to do.

Well, nothing better to do than pledge his allegiance to a doomed cause that will most surely cause his death. But he'll have fun.

 

[Lord of Ravens]

"My friend Niklaus, you are clearly in need of rest. But I request that you stay here for a little longer. If you wish to travel with me, and I hope that you do, you should stay. I need to leave as soon as Lord Simon gives me his orders". Peter smiled at the strange looking vampire.

The creature was clear on the edge of madness, but seeing him fight, wounded and unarmed, made Peter respect this bloodied vampire. And Peter wanted him as close as possible on any future quest. Somehow facing the Lord of Undeath seemed a little less frightening.

 

[Count Feldenhaus]

"Well, yes, Simon...uhhh....my master wished for you to visit him in his room. He said he has things to discuss that the others best not hear." Aramaeus whispered to Simon, a trickle of sweat dripping down his brow. "If you would please follow me..." Aramaeus started.

Meanwhile, Kagekiba continued his journey through the forests near Gor'Drak. He was thinking of Emilya's death at his hands, and while he felt it was a low and devious act on his part, it was, to him, a necessary action, and one that she no doubt deserved. She was cruel, heartless, and most of all, a schemer. He had seen her many sides during his time in the Feldenhaus' service, and he was one of few that knew her true personality. she was not the capricious, and innocent wife of Glyre Feldenhaus, no, she was the manipulative, plotting witch.
"We did what we had to, No?" He inquired to Ichimetsuki, who chortled loudly. It was not uncommon for Kagekiba to second-guess himself, and he often regretted choices he made. He knew it was a flaw, and worked on overcoming it, but as with all habits it would not be easy.
"Hmmm, I'm getting rather hungry. Let's see what we can find." Kagekiba said aloud, as Ichimetsuki let out an affirmative chirp.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon looked at Peter "Take your forces and watch the border with Stirland. Inform me the moment there is any hostile action from the Empire. The council has committed many acts recently that will not have gone unnoticed." He stood up and signalled to his guards. Four heavily armed wights joined him as he followed after Aramaeus.

 

[Onikaigo]

Smiling widely, Niklaus looks to Peter and rests a hand on his shoulder if possible. "Well Peter von Krahe, it seems as we get to see the countryside once more." Laughing, he stands beside Peter with a tooth bearing grin.

His demeanor completely changes once Simon leaves the room. He seems to grow another inch in height, his back straightens, and his robes no longer seem quite so tattered. His demeanor changes, still holding that mad under theme, but somehow seeming more dignified, more refined...more noble.

"He sends you to do a dogs work, Peter. But, we shall have blood. What else can be asked for?" Laughing aloud, his demeanor changes once more as he begins to meander toward the door, or if you move, he flanks you without hesitation. You shall find yourself with a kind of mad shadow over the coming times, a shadow with considerable teeth and red eyes.

 

[Count Feldenhaus]

Aramaeus arrived at Aramaeus chamber followd by Simon and his wight guard. Aramaeus knocked upon the door, which slowly creaked open.
"Hello, Simon." Glyre said from a desk in the room's center. He motioned for Simon to sit down, but Simon chose, in stead, to stand. His wight guard gathered around the room's rear, ready to spring at Glyre in case he tried anything. Armaeus stood at Glyre's side, a nervous look in his eyes. "I see you played along with my plan nicely, although you certainly knew it was a trap." Glyre grinned slightly, as the wight guard stepped closer to your master. "But, I doubt you were prepared to hear me out...which is why I had Aramaeus curse my dwarfs, so that if I die, they will all disintegrate into dust, and none of their former selves will remain. It's something Aramaeus has been preparing for his entire life." Glyre said, as he stood up and began to waltz around the room. "But, alas, the dwarfs would no doubt only set you back so far, so I sent Emilya back to Gor'Drak, to retrieve our super-weapon, a warrior that is completely mindless, completely obedient....and unstoppable in battle. You, of course, doubt that I really possess this warrior, which is understandable. So it is my word against yours." Glyre finished, he was extremely nervous in reality, but knew he had to remain calm and level headed.
"Glyre, what exactly do you want?" Simon inquired.
"Only three things. One-I would like to be free of your services, I may choose to aid the council, but I will take orders from no one. Two-I wish for a piece of Vlad's fortune, and Three-I demand to know what your plan is. Remember Simon, you could kill me now and suffer the consequences, or you could grant me my wishes. Which do you choose?" Glyre asked, confident that his plan would succeed. Unbeknownst to him, his overconfidence would be his undoing, for Emilya was dead, and his super weapon was unleashed, but not in the way he expected.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"I think you left out a few options." said Simon raising two fingers to his forehead "You assume that the only way I can wreak unforgettable harm upon you is by killing you. He turned slightly and pointed his fingers at Aramaeus. "You were wrong!" Aramaeus started to convulse his eyes wide open as he silently screamed. Glyre watched in horror as Aramaeus's spirit left his body and attempted to float away "NOT YET!" Simon roared reeling him back as other spirits from his aura seized the struggling Aramaeus and vanished. Simon smiled looking at the horrified Glyre "with regards to your generous offer Glyre he raised one finger "you wish to leave my service. REJECTED! Instead you will serve me for no reward until I choose to release you if I ever do." He raised a second finger "You wish to share in Vlad's wealth and power. REJECTED! by serving Mannfred and attempting extortion on me you have proved that you do not deserve to." He raised a third finger "You demand to know what my plans are. REJECTED! You do not demand anything from your superiors especially me. You're lucky that I'm more forgiving than Vlad. I will forgive you your arrogance in time Glyre for now I will simply try to forget it."

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Turning to Niklaus, Peter nod his head.
"It is always the same with these nobles. They depend on people like us to get things doen, whilest they have their head in the clouds. But I must obey Somon. We will need to stop by my castle at Swartzhafen. My forces are mustering there. Then we should proceed to the Stirland border. I have heard rumours of a force mustering there, led by a powerful warroir priest. News of of the new Count must reached Altdorf already."

Looking at Niklaus' attire, he added, "And perhaps we can find you a new weapon. I doubt that you will always be able to find a handy brach lying around everywhere."

The two left the hall, and strode to the stables where Peter had left Firehoof.

"If we both ride him, we should be at Swarthafen before day break. If you have no objection to riding."

 

[Count Feldenhaus]

"Bu...But!" Glyre staggered, taken aback by the sudden course of events. "Fine, Simon. But do not forget my superweapon!" Glyre said. He was defeated, and hoping that everything worked out all right at Gor'Drak.

Kagekiba, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to what was going on at Drakenhof, and was instead simply interested in finding food. He saw a small farm house, and decided to walk up to the door. He knocked several times, and was greeted by an elderly couple. He pulled a cream colored hood over his head, so that they wouldn't notice his yellow eyes and fangs.
"Hello, I'm just traveling through and was curious if you could spare me some food?" He inquired. The couple was surprised by his bold inquiry, and wondered why he didn't simply find a coaching inn. They then noticed his strange clothes and figured that he was from a foreign land.
"Uhh, sure." The woman replied, as she and her husband beckoned for him to follow them into their house. He took a seat at the table, and was presented with a decent amount of food. He began to eat, yet it did not fill him up at all, he still felt weak and hungry. He finished the food, however, just to be polite, and gave the couple a few coins that he had taken from the Feldenhaus'. He needed to find out what to eat, but had no idea, for the Feldenhaus' had never fed him, and had instead confined him to a coffin for much of his life. He walked out through the fields, where he smelt something appetizing. He followed the scent into the forest.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

As the other vampires vacated the hall, Lesa was finally left to her own thoughts. It had been such a long time, that for a moment she felt as if she was going to collapse. Walking over to one of the chairs at the side of the hall, she sat down heavily. Though she had not shown it to the others, the events of the past few months weighed down upon her.
It was said her kind did not dream, and in truth they were not supposed to. But whenever she closed her eyes, images of Milosh, of the torture she and him had undertaken at the hands of Arkhan flooded her mind. As her mind wandered her thoughts strayed to her gets, to Rowhaine, Katie, and finally Rayla. With a shock she realised she had not communicated with Rayla since she had entrusted a task to her, no doubt her child thought her dead or worse.

Swiftly standing up Lesa strode to Drakenhof's courtyard. She had instructed Rayla to retrieve the objects, and then wait at one of their hidden lairs. Nobody knew of the place, and Lesa knew Rayla most probably would still be there. Stepping out into the night, she noted Simon's new minions preparing to leave on one horse. Whist she was always intrigued to meet more of her kind, now was not the time. Spreading forth her arms, she spoke the incantation for her shadowy steed, a twinge of regret flashing through as she mourned her lost steed from the Plains of Bones. Almost immediately she sensed something was wrong, as she felt something else twisted along the streams of magic. It was too late to stop the spell, and with trepidation she waited to see what the effects would be.

With a massive gust the streams of mist twisted together, merging and forming a shape in the dust clouds. Straining Lesa tried to see what was forming, but the howling wind blocked her sight. Whatever it was, it was growing larger and larger by the second, and then finally she knew what it was. As a half formed wing thrust up towards the sky, she knew it was the reforming body of the ancient dragon. Somehow it had become twisted with the magic of her shadow dragon, and know they were one and the same. Suddenly her mouth went dry as she noticed something else. The courtyard was too small for the beast, for it was one of older dragons and as large as a small hill. Knowing she could not stop it forming she screamed a warning to the other vampires, before fleeing back into the castle. Moments later the ground shook, followed by the unmistaken sound of masonry falling. It seemed to last forever, and for a second Lesa was sure the castle was going to come crashing down as well. The second passed, and then another before a wave of relief washed over her. Turning back round she carefully walked back outside.

The damage was enormous. The main entrance had been caved in, and it was only by blasting the rocks that the Lahmian managed to get out. Two of the courtyards walls had cracks and holes where her dragons body had pushed against them, whilst on the other a wall had been completely demolished. For a moment Lesa wondered what had caused it to be flattened in such a way, but then she realised the body of Simon's own dragon lay amongst the rubble, forced through by the expanding bulk of her own.

"Simon's not going to be happy," she muttered.

 

[Onikaigo]

Niklaus follows Peter out, speaking to him with a kind of careless air. "People like us, Peter? People unafraid to get their hands dirty?" He laughs, "Or those that enjoy it? I simply dislike being treated like Human. Weak."

Coming to the courtyard, he would look at the one horse, speaking to Peter increduously. "You wish both of us to ride the one beast? I would rather trust my own feet--" His voice is cut off as the winds of magic pull. Though not familiar with magic, his own abilities laughable at best, he has the gut feeling something is very, very wrong. Looking to the dark mass, his eyes glow red and he demands of lord Peter, his voice coinciding with Countess Lesa to meld into one proverbial warning siren.

"Peter, move!" Diving to the side and toward the courtyard entrance, his swift legs and tattered brown cloak appear as if a shadow under the darkening mists, and his feet propel him swiftly to the main gate as the beast lands upon it. Red eyes flickering up at the impending stone, one last burst of speed sees him into the maelstrom.

After the event, when the Shadow Beast lies still and the dust begins to settle, Niklaus finds himself outside of the castle Drakenhoff. Alive, covered in dust and stony grit, his habit torn yet in more places than before; truly no more than rags. Casting an eye over his shoulder, he'd turn to face the ruins of the Gateway as they exploded outward, his hand rapidly deflecting a large block of masonry heading toward him with a growl. Once Countess Lesa finds herself free of the masonry, after blasting the hole in the Gateway that was necessary for her egress, she would be confronted with a very amused Niklaus as he walks back inside.


"This gate is bigger than I remember." Blinking, he'd look at the rubble with wide eyes, seemingly childlike; for the moment. Picking up a stone, he'd throw it at a standing column of stones near the east wall, knocking a much larger hole with his aim, rubble plummeting once more and erupting a fountain of giggles from the tattered vampire.

Something missing, something missing....

He gets a look of concentration on his face, wandering just inside the main gate, and is thus impeded by the body of the beast.

 

[Count Feldenhaus]

Kagekiba followed the scent until he came to find two wolves fighting each other, one had bitten the other, and from the wound flowed blood, which Kagekiba realized was what smelled so appetizing. He waited and watched the wolves until one had killed the other and trotted back into the forest. Cautiously, the vampire walked up to the wolves body, and began to drink the spilled blood. It was filling him, and he felt re-energized.
Upon finishing his meal, he stood up, and felt a strong force gathering somewhere. He decided to seek it out, and maybe find some allies in the world.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"There is no one who can defeat me now Glyre not even your so called super weapon. The von Carsteins are going to dominate the world by challenging the Lord of the Undead himself. Its childish antics like yours and Mannfred's that have brought our house so low and its because of the actions of a few including myself that it is slowly reclaiming its position. Give up your desires for ruling the family because its not going to happen and every time you try we suffer a potentially fatal set back." said Simon leaving the room carefully stepping over body of Aramaeus.

Arriving back at the throneroom he noticed the falling masonry and felt the ground shake. Heading out to the courtyard he was forced to clamber over the rubble of the main entrance. "LESA! What is the meaning of this! This is holy ground you've just damaged." he shouted