TVC - Chapter 43 - A Thief in the Night

[Simon von Carstein]

"The Council will now convene." said Simon taking his place at the head of the table. He eyed the assembled vampires "Nagash has suffered a defeat in the last few hours he has lost at least one dreadlord and V'azrin has been neutralised as a threat. Their armies have retreated for the moment. We have won a victory but only at great cost. My friend Milosh who should be here with us today isn't." Simon continued "Milosh was a great man and his services to this council will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those who founded it."

 

[Gree]

''What is our current plan at the moment? Do we attack? Do we sit back and defend?'' Mircea asked.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Aubervillier looked in surprise as he took his seat, waving away the offer of blood.
"I had been advised you are the Marshal of the Count's army," he said to Mircea, "I would have thought you would be offering your tactical advice rather than requesting it. My Liege would have it known that he recommends we return to Drakenhof and regroup. It was plainly clear that whilst we did win, we only did so because the Dreadlords decided to retreat, not because we forced them to. Even with almost our full might our forces were overwhelmed. As such a proposal to also seek further alliances amongst our kind would seem to be the most prudent course of action."

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Peter took his place next to Jason. This was the first formal meeting of theCouncil, and he was on edge. At least the friendly presence of Jason was here to make him feel more relaxed.

"My Lords, I ask you, do we have time to seek further alliances? Already the wolves of Nagash are knocking on our door. I vote we strike hard whilst his forces are reeling from the death of V'zarin." Peter was angry at what Nagash had done to his friends, and forced him to do to his friends. All he wanted now was an end to this war. All e wanted now was to go home...

 

[Knightofni]

"Well.. Here we are.. what do you think?" Saul gestured to the stone monstrosity that was Nexeternus with barely concealed distaste.. he never felt as comfortable amongst stone as he did amongst the trees.

"I think that the Count has either cornered a peculiar niche in the housing market.. or he's compensating for something." Trinity's disparaging voice called out from behind him.. she was tired. Saul had forgotten just how much humans actually needed to sleep and Trinity looked like she was about to fall out of the saddle; it was doing nothing for her bad temper. She'd been mad at him all the way since the incident with the local.

"I take it then that you're not impressed.." A smile played on Saul's lips.. he couldn't help but enjoy her bad mood. Trinity really was more attractive when she was angry. Her only response was to glare at him..

"Thought as much.. though do us a favour, don't go shooting your mouth off in there.. take it from me when I say they ain't the friendliest of bunches." Saul hardly dared to hope for a better reception for himself this time around.. he had no idea how they'd react to Trinity if she got mouthy with them.. some of them would probably enjoy her getting 'mouthy'.

He dismounted Usidaen, and dispelled him.. watching for a second as the shadows faded away.. before turning back to the impressive gates. He pounded the gates with his fist three times..

"This place could really use a doorbell."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Reeling? I hardly think so," Aubervillier countered, "if you recall they attacked and overwhelmed us without V'azrin's assistance. You propose to strike against a force that nearly defeated us once, bearing in mind they were not fighting at their full strength. Nagash was not there. Arkhan the Black was not there. I think that battle was nothing more than a test, to gauge our strength, and it was a test we failed.
If we are to succeed a second time round, we must increase the forces at the Council's disposal."

 

[Gree]

''I only seek confirmation from my brother, I have my own strategems readied but I wait and see what my Brother has planned, as he currently is the only concious founder of this Council with the greatest force''

''As for strategy, we have already taken out two of the Dreadlords so far, with little casulties in return, your forces where only overwhelmed because I commanded the army in the most recent battle against you''

 

[Mr Nightwere]

Jason smiled at Hati,
"I applaud you on your boldness m' lady, I would expect nothing less than straight to the point, for such majestic creatures as yourselves. Yet I must decline such an invitation, for I believe that there are more pressing matters to attend to. Such as the councils next move, which I hope you will be a part of?" Jason then turned to Mircea and gave him a cadaverous look, examining his armor, sword and ring.
"Ever so sorry... but I'm afraid I was not speaking to you... Mircea. But to these fine gentlemen, it does puzzle me that when confronted with a man who saved a fellow council member, you lose your manners simply because of their species. It is most unfitting for the Von Carstien bloodline to ever lose their manners when confronted with those who wish to join them."

________________________

The coaches pulled up to the fortress as the Vampires looked wide-eyed towards the structure. They unpacked their few belongings and walked towards the large wooden doors, Harrindir pushing them aside as he entered the castle making his way towards the main hall, a crowd of approximately thirty vampires in thrall behind him. Each carrying a gift of some description for their host, Simon Von Carstien. They eagerly awaited to see their master, many for the first time since they had been turned. They entered the hall where many of the vampires were currently gathering and saw the proud form of Mercia, few rushed forwards and bowed before him, Harrindir scowled, staying back as more and more rushed forwards.
Jason too scowled at such impudence and looked towards Harrindir, yet allowed the praising to continue as they pushed past him. Harrindir casually walked towards Jason and bowed to him reaching down towards the ground as he spoke his native tongue.
"Please forgive me my master, they were too over whelmed at the thought of meeting you they seam to have forgot themselves." He said as he scowled at them as they praised Mercia as a savior.
"You realize what I shall have to do to them now they have insulted me in such a way?" Jason responded in the same dialect, a harsh tone carrying in his voice as his grandchildren hurried towards the Von Carstien.
" Yes of course."

 

[Gree]

''Why should I give my regard to those who are not even Carsteins? Or not even vampires? Such things are beneath me. I fail to see your point'' Mircea shot back coldly. Then he regarded the new vampires that suddenly came into the hallway with gifts.

''Well, what is this?'' he asked with some confusion.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Aubervillier looked at Mircea for a moment, wondering if the vampire was being awkward on purpose.
"I do not refer to the battle between the Council's forces," he said, "I refer to the battle beforehand, when the Dreadlord's attacked us. Under your command the Council's full forces were brought to bear, and we were being beaten. I have no objection admitting a plain fact. The only reason they did not destroy us what because they decided to break off their assault, no doubt because they wish the Necrach to being your line under his control rather than destroy it. Do you deny this fact?"

As a group of new vampires rushed into the hall, Aubervillier shook his head,
"I understand now why the Duke found such meetings tiresome," he muttered.

 

[Gree]

''I do'' Mircea remarked, starting to enjoy the attention of these fawning vampires. It's excellent, he thought, they worship me and I act cold and distant to them, then they increse their worship as a means of gaining attention. I know know how the followers of slaanesh feel.

Everyone could almost hear Mircea's ego swelling to new porportions.

''I did not have a chance to properly prepare my forces or summon the full amount of soldiers avaliabe to be, had the battle occered on a different time and place of my choosing it would have gone differently''

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"I beg to object, but we were all there," Aubervillier said, straining to keep his temper in check, "we had no more troops, and we were in an extremely defensible location. There may have been certain things we could have done differently, but not enough.
The point is moot anyway, for even if what you say is true, what we faced was nowhere near Nagash's full force. Are you truly proposing that if Nagash, Arkhan and the rest of the Dreadlords, along with the full might of his army march upon us, the army we have now, weakened as it is, would be able to defeat it?"

 

[Gree]

''Not at it's current size, but all we need to is increase the size of our army by raising more dead, which Slyvania has in ample supply'' Mircea responded. ''If you seek new allies then seek them, but with enough troops I can achive victory over any foe', I'll give you that Nagash himself might toruble me quite a bit, but if I just faced his Dreadlords peicemental then victory has little doubt.''

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Amused by Mircea's new worshipers, Peter turned to the Marshal, "You always did have divine ambitions Mircea. But jsut be careful, or I will have to pop that swelling head of yours."

Then, addressing the werewolfs, "I have never come across your kind before, except I must confess, as an interesting enemy to kill. However I am proud to stand with you at my side wolfkin. I must confess my ignorance, but do you have command over any other forces apart from you three."

"Formidable as you are that is," he added tactfully.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"If, if, if. I had thought with your reputation your decisions would be based on sounder judgement. I agree that if the Dreadlords come at use one at a time we can win. However considering that Nagash is no fool I do not see this happening. Does everyone else agree with the Marshal's opinion?"

 

[Gree]

''The Dreadlords have come at us peicemental so far, if they all come at once and Nagash is still present then we still have a good chance at victory'' Mircea adressed him.

''We do!'' the various vampire following him shouted.

''You see? I have never seen these people before and they think I am correct, you must have more faith in your allies'' Mircea explained. ''We simply have to rely on Nagash's arrogance to win victory''

 

[Lord of Ravens]

Peter frowned at the other Blood Dragon. He seemed to cursed by the arrogance that seemed to plague there Bloodline.

"Brettonian, do not doubt the Marshal's skills. at the risk of swelling his head further, he is the most accomplished von Carstein general ever. He is perhaps only bested by the Sons of Abhorash themselves. I trust his judgement on this issue."

 

[Knightofni]

Saul strolled through the opened gates with a sense of unease.. he didn't like this place.. it had an eerie quality that did not endear it to its surroundings.. excellent craftsmanship though. Trinity was silent as she followed behind.. it was only natural for a normal human to feel apprehension when entering the abode of an unnatural monster.. even if he was blonde.

They carried on towards the castle, ignoring the curious glances from the inhabitants of this god-forsaken place.. though they looked strangely content; definitely not happy, but rather like the peasantry of Brettonnia who were born in horse-sh*t but simply accepted it as life and got on with things.

"Still think he's compensating for something?"

 

[Trevy the Great]

"You call yourself a general, a marshal of Sylvania," Vekarin echoed, leaning forward, weighing in for the first time on the conversation. His balefire eyes turning implacably towards Mircea, "and yet your only strategy seems to be that of the constant press of bodies, relying on outnumbering your foe for victory. I would wonder what your solution would be to a conflict in which you were not graciously granted an undeniable upper hand. Despite your shortcomings, I would agree with you. Our forces are much to depleted to resist a concentrated attack by Nagash's own should it reduce to that, and will need to be consolidated and reinforced before we are ready to strike again at the Dreadlord's might."

---

Victarias wandered through the dark, unconsciously drawn toward the flickering light of the smithy outside of Nexeternus' citadel. She approached closer, and to her surprise the Duke looked up through the soot and sparks to meet her gaze. It was too late to turn now, but part of Victarias willed her to stay anyway.
"I... I'm sorry, my lord, I did not expect you here. I had thought that you would have met with the council inside the fortress..."

 

[Ghouly]

A snarl of pain caused all hostility within the council chamber to cease Graveclaw loomed overtop of Lesa's prone form, black ichoric blood dripped from the slash in his wrist where he had slashed himself with his own talon. “ Graveclaw thinkssss Lhamaian hassss had enough beauty ssssleep” He growled as he pulled Lesa into a sitting position , prying her mouth open Graveclaw pressed the wound against her lips “Graveclaw issss going to wake her up”.

 

[Count Erick]

"Ah, a pity. Perhaps another time we can have a rendezvous by moonlight?"
Said Hati to Jason, winking.

The Werewolves stood stunned by Mircea's rudeness.
A low frequincy growl emanated from Müller's barrel chest. Hati bared her teeth, which sharpened into fangs, her hair almost seemed to stand on end like an angry cat's.
Völundr was the only one who seemed to keep his cool. He placed a hand on Müller's and Hati's shoulders and said in a calm voice.
"Let it go, its not worth it. Its in his nature just like its in ours to be quick to anger."
Müller calmed, but he still glared at the Vampire.
"Quick to anger, slow to forgive." He muttered.
Hati shook off Völundr's hand, past the point of being calm.
"Egotistical leech!" She spat, verbal venom dripping from every word.
"How the weakness of your kind becomes apparent! The day will come when your allies can no longer support your big head and they leave you to crash in ruin under its own weight!"
Völundr placed both his hands on her shoulders, calming her a little and restraining her at the same time.

Wishing to change the subject, Müller addressed Peter's question about additional forces.
"Our strength was spent on the battlefield, at this time we have no armies."
He paused, as if tentative to continue.
"But...if we where to awaken Bisclavret de Gévaudan, the first of our kind, he would be able to create an army in a matter of days. However, I am extreemly reluctant to do so at this time..."

 

[TMS]

Helena weighed in on Müller's hesitation,
-"We must not let ourselves be hindered by reluctancy, however. The Council is in dire need of aid and even the first of your kind must be aware of the threat that Nagash reawakened poses. I don't think - unlike Mircea - that we stand even a remote chance of victory at this point, something which has become abundantly clear repeatedly on the field of battle. Like he said..." she said, nodding towards Aubervillier who's name she did not know yet, "...I also believe that our confrontations with the Legion of Nagash so far has consisted of little else besides mock battles. I'm firmly of the opinion that we need to spread our influences and increase awareness of the impending threat."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

A clawed muscular hand fell on to Graveclaw's shoulder. Graveclaw turned to face the bestial features of Jerek. Glaring at each other the two monsters rose to their full height and snarling and growling at each other.

Simon raised a hand for silence. "This bickering is pointless. Marshal Mircea is the best general here. Some of you sons of Abhorash may have more victories to your name but only because you have lived longer. That said Mircea has far more to show for it." Its true that Nagash is still mightier than us and I have been working on a plan that will raise our odds somewhat." Simon turned to Nar-Zuul "Fetch me the key." he ordered Nar-Zuul bowed and floated away. Simon continued "On the night of Geheimnisnacht just days away the tide is going to turn for us in our favour."

 

[Ghouly]

"Thatssss cute" Graveclaw snarled, sizing up Jerek "Carssstine hasss a pet" turning glared at Simon "Whatssss the matter Carssssstine ssssscared of Graveclaw?".

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Then at least you agree we need to increase our strength Count?" Aubervillier said after listening to the other vampires. He had noticed the Strigoi kneeling by Lesa, but after none of the other vampires has acted, he had assumed it was perfectly normal. The interruption by Jerek changed that assumption, but at the moment there was a more pressing situation at hand,
"If you have a plan to tip the odds in our favour? I fully understand and respect the Marshal's many victories, but without meaning to be insulting, I feel that perhaps out of pride he is refusing to accept the dire situation we are in. I saw how much of your forces were left upon the battlefield, we have been dealt a massive blow."

Aubervillier paused for a moment, knowing he had to say the next thing that was on his mind, but also knowing that the Carsteins would most likely react very poorly to the suggestion.
"I also feel that something very important needs to be brought to the Council's attention. It is not a secret that the majority of the lesser dead of the Council's army are controlled by the Count. However what happened with the Necrarch showed what folly this can be. If one bloodline is to be taken over, we should not have a situation where it cripples the Council. Likewise, whilst I know the power of the Carstein Ring ensures the bearer will regenerate, if they are dealt a crippling blow the forces under their command will crumble until the bearer is resurrected. This could take hours which can and will cost us a battle. It would seem prudent to spread the control over the different Council members evenly, to ensure we have no singular link which can break us."

Coughing and retching Lesa sat up, her fine features drawn and tired. A foul taste filled her mouth, though she felt a warm flowing through her veins.
"What......" she muttered, spitting to try and rid her mouth of the taste. A snarl brought her to the attention of Graveclaw who was towering up, facing off against a creature that resembled a Vargulf. Looking further round she saw the seated Council members and realised she was in Nexeternus. She heard the various voices and knew what they were discussing, the usual argumentative tones of vampires trying to express their point of view.
"Mi-milady?" A pretty young girl walked up. Though she was nervous she held herself well for what Lesa would assume would be a sixteen year old, "I was told that if you awoke to see if you wished sustenance?" Looking at her Lesa realised the girl was a willing subject, conditioned since birth to believe that it would be an honour to feed them. As much as Lesa would have preferred to find her own food, she could feel from her body how weak she was. Whoever had found her had broken her bones and reset them correctly, and whilst she was healing she needed the blood.

A weak gasp came from the girls mouth as Lesa's fangs bit in her neck, sucking the blood swiftly from her lithe form. She shuddered, goosepimples of pleasure puckering her skin. The pleasure of the vampires kiss, especially one done as expertly as Lesa's, was in some ways better than sex. Already the girl was shaking as something akin to orgasm rippled through her body, before Lesa set her back down.
"There has been enough killing for today," Lesa murmured licking a stray drop from the edge of her lip, "say close though. I may have need of you later."

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

The Duke started in surprise, his hammer blow glancing off the armour and hitting his own hand. A welt quickly showed in the pale skin, but if it brought him any discomfort he hid it well.
"There is no need to apologise fair lady," he finally replied, carefully choosing his words, "I needed to forge new armour, and now seemed the best time to do so. I have sent one of my sons in my place, as I know what the outcome will be, and I also know how tiresome the discussion will. For creatures as old as ourselves, they bicker and argue far too much, and I have little patience for it." Placing down his hammer he wiped his hands on a rag, looking slightly uncomfortable at his bare chest in front of Victarias.
"What of you? Did you tire of their endless arguments as well?"