TVC - Chapter 43 - A Thief in the Night

[Trevy the Great]

"Mum, you're awake!" Requarah exclaimed, hugging her sire tightly, "after what happened to Milosh... well, that doesn't matter now, but I'm glad you're safe."
Requarah gestured to the seated council, "They're all planning and plotting how they're going to defeat Nagash, it's all quite boring really, all military terms and 'forces' and 'combats' and 'tactics,' but I think that they all agree that we need more soldiers if we're going to fight. They might need your help, mum." Requarah smiled at the older vampiress.

"An excellent idea, captain, but the question is; will any Carstein's be willing to give up their forces?" Vekarin looked about the table.

---

"Indeed I do." Victarias replied, rather sheepishly. "I feel I must contribute but my expertise lies in the heroism of single combat, not the command of an entire army. That is how I was trained, and it will not change any time soon. Besides, the 'council' can't seem to agree on any one thing, it's all manipulation and power, like a game, and it sickens me."

 

[Gree]

''Yes, the utter arrogance of certain members in this room stifles me sometimes. People here fail to understand that there are no rules in warfare. When you have superior numbers you use them against a more skilled for, you avoid strength and strike ant weakness, it’s a basic strategy of warfare.'' Mircea said, making it obvious of who he was talking to.

‘’Needless to say, your fears about who commands which force is quite unfounded, in the last battle against you it was I who commanded the main force while Simon blew the passes, I maintained it while he was badly wounded briefly and I am confidant I can do it again.’’

‘’Regardless, if you are so worried about placing all your eggs in one basket then you can to do is split up the control of the undead, however you should still report to me, since splitting up command equally rarely works in the field, of that I can assure you.’’ Mircea explained.

Meanwhile to the rear of the hallway, beyond earshot, Luke turned to Jan. ‘’They have no idea that we are flipping them off under our cloaks?’’ he said, referencing Vekarin and Aubervillier. Both vampires where giving the blood Dragon the middle finger, both concealed by the black cloaks that they wore like shrouds.

‘’Yep’’ Jan agreed.

 

[Count Erick]

Müller looked awkward at Helena's words.
"Milady does not understand...Bisclavret de Gévaudan is..."
He paused, trying to think of the right words to use.
"He's howling mad."
Said Hati for him. Müller glared at her before continuing.
"He is very, very old by our terms. You must realize, Bisclavret is not his real name, he has changed his identity multiple times throughout history. He has been a vampire for over 4,000 years, and his various magical experiments have...taken their tole on his sanity."
Müller paused and looked for a moment rather sad.
"That is why he slumbers now, because we, his offspring imprisoned him. He was becoming far to dangerous, far to out of control. If we where to awaken him he might very well join with Nagash in his madness or try and destroy us for revenge. His powers are vast, swollen with age and experience. It is perhaps inappropriate to call him a werewolf, for he has retained all his magical skills (the power of which created our kind) and vampiric powers as well as the gifts of our kind.
I do not wish to unleash this terror upon the world just for the possibility of him joining us, unless no other alternative presents itself. Let sleeping dogs lay."
Said Müller in conclusion.

 

[Sweeney Todd]

"Yes, the battle was kind enough on us. I would ask the same of you, but considering the quality of your opponents I would not expect any less than you making it through unharmed. Your lord is not attending this meeting personally?" Todd replied to Leon.

"Simon, you mentioned something that would happen on Geheiminisnacht? And by the way, how about you restrain Jerek?"

********

The air in the hall in which Karl rested abruptly began to crackle and seethe with magical energy. Marc strode forward from where he stood and drew his sword, ready to defend his master against attack.

Arcs of static leapt into existence in mid air. Greater and greater the charge increased until just as suddenly, they converged and coalesced into a shimmering oval portal out of which Mrs. Lovette and Toby stepped into the hall. Curtseying, she began to address the seated Baron

"Baron Karl von Carstein, I am here to return that which belongs to you." She beckoned Toby to step forward, and it came to Karl's attention that he bore a strange cloth bundle in his arms. Toby unfurled it to reveal Karl's forearms that were severed in battle, perfectly protected from the onset of decay by runes of preservation Mrs. Lovette had daubed onto the cloth herself. One of these still gripped the Vampire's Fang.

Refolding the cloth neatly again, Toby passed the package to Lovette who in turn profferred it to Marc.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul could hear raised voices from within the hall.. great, they're at it already. He walked towards the doors that led into the hall; Trinity still followed behind, silent.. as the grave. He chuckled to himself and shook his head at her inquiring look.. best not share the joke, he thought, would only make her more nervous.

"Remember what I said.. Don't speak unless you're spoken to, and try not to draw your pistols.. they won't like that very much." Saul's voice was low to underline the severity of the situation.. shooting his mouth off nearly got him killed last time and it was unlikely that the vampire lords would treat Trinity any less differently.

She didn't respond.. if anything she went further pale, almost as pale as a vampire; he chuckled again, Saul deemed it wise not to share that joke either.

They reached the entrance to the hall and paused.. still the vampire lords were arguing.. let the bastards argue, let them show themselves for what they are. He half turned back to Trinity.. god she looked awful.. well, awful in a beautiful kind of way.

He shook his head and pushed the doors open with both hands, he gazed through at the scene of barely seated vampires with a grin on his face.

"Sorry we're late.. I trust that we're not interrupting anything interesting.."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Geheimnisnacht is going to be remembered for a long time Mr Todd believe me." said Simon with a smile "as soon as we're done here I leave for Sylvania to finish the preparations." He looked up as the doors opened and the young von Carstein he had seen at the battle entered. Mircea glared at the newcomer "is this how you speak to your liege lord? Whelp! Show some respect for the first among equals of the our line."

Nar-Zuul arrived at the vaults and began his search for the final piece of his puzzle. He opened the vault easily enough and then stopped aghast. The vault was empty The Cruentus Ruby formerly owned by Frederick van Hal was gone. Movement behind him caused to spin round and be confronted by Zosz. "Treachery." said Nar-Zuul quietly "TREACHERY!" He shouted.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul grinned at the enraged Marshal, what an asshole.

"Not wishing to be rude, My dear Marshal, but do not speak to me of respect when you consider yourself above such pleasantries." He gestured to the Blood Knights.. "Your lack of respect for even your allies wins you no favours. For my obvious youth, my impetuous tongue does seem quick to slander my betters but respect is earned.. not given freely as it were nothing" Saul turned to the blonde von Carstein.

"If my Lord von Carstein so wishes my respect then it'll be given on the merit of his good character, not on his so vaulted title.. strike me down if you so wish; but a man of your stature, my lord, does not need worshippers to please his ego.. so I will not be one."

 

[Count Erick]

Müller shook his head at Mircea's words. He was wondering just how such a person could have attained any position of power, unless he was a professional at ass-kissing his superiors.
Men show character not by how they treat their equals or betters, but how they treat their inferiors, or at least those they see as inferior.
"Such a foolish man, alienating yourself from the people who would help you. One day it will bite you back, as we leave you out to dry. In any case, any attempt to strike him down will be met by resistance from me..."
Hati looked at Saul curiously as the conversation continued.
"Hey Müller, he smells like one of our kind.... He isnt is he?"
"I noticed." said Müller. "But no, he isnt."

 

[Gree]

Mircea began to chuckle darkly. ''Oh, you young fools, if you want my respect you can go beg for it'' he replied. He turned his gaze to Muller. ''As if you could stop me, hmp, I'll keep that threat in mind in the future.''

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Simon turned to Muller "I suggest you keep your mouth shut wolf man! This one" he said pointing to Saul "Is a von Carstein that makes him my responsiblity and how we treat our own is of no concern of yours." Turning back to Saul he said "I think I like you young one. You remind me of myself back in the old days. You're trouble! I can see that just by looking at you. But troublemakers have their use. I could exile you from the family for forty years as Vlad did to me to make me a better man. But I suspect you're too old for that to have any affect. Which puts me in a difficult position because all von Carsteins answer to me now. You may enter my court but only on the understanding that you do nothing without my knowing about it. That goes for you're servants too."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl sat feeling somewhat shocked at the arrival of the woman and the presenting of his dismembered arms and blade.
Meanwhile Marc carefully took the bundle from Miss Lovette and bowed
"Thank you mi'Lady" he murmered
Gathering his wits the Baron stood and leaning on his cane took a few steps to stand beside Marc, he slowly freed the blade from the grasp of one of the detached arms and slowly sheathed it at his side.
Turning he looked at the woman who had magically appeared
"I thank you Lady Lovette, this blade means more to me than you could imagine." he said the gratitude clear in his voice and with the assistance of his cane he bowed.

___________________________________________________________

Akarin sighed feeling tired of the constant conflict, glancing over to Jerek he saw Lesa nearby finnally having awoke, remembering something the Assassin stepped backwards vanishing into the shadows.



Akarin stepped out of a small patch of shadows in the small Hall the Baron was in, ignoring Lovette he walked up to Karl
"Baron I saw your servant picked something up earlier." he said
Karl forwned but waved his hand at Marc, the blood dragon turned, carefully he sat the Baron's old arms on the table and lifted a bundle then gave it to Akarin.
Without a word the Assassin turned and strode out of the small Hall.

_________________________________________________

Akarin walked into the great Hall once more grimacing slightly as he realised the Council still seemed to be bickering.
Seeing his target he strode quickly over to Lesa, the Lahmian looked up when she noticed the Assassin standing next to her.
"Lady I have something which belongs to you." he said quietly
In one hand he held a long bundle, with the other he unwrapped it to reveal the Banishment Blade.

 

[Knightofni]

"As my Lord commands." Saul bowed his head to Simon.. ah, hell; three things I never wanted to do this week, fight a war, shake the hand of a Lahmian and bow to another von Carstein.. and I've managed them all in the space of a day.

He turned to the Marshal..

"I meant no disrespect Sir.. the respect I have for you is born of your reputation on the battlefield, not of your inflated ego." It wasn't an apology as such, more of a subtle rebuke but naturally Mircea's arrogance would like it nevertheless.

Turning away from both of the von Carstein elders, he moved over to where Muller stood with two unknown people flanking him.. he spoke quietly to Muller as to let his 'betters' keep arguing.

"Thank you Muller. It's nice to know there is one amongst the many that I can trust.." He offered his hand in thanks.. "Aren't you going to introduce your friends."

***

Trinity followed Saul as he walked over to the unknown trio.. obviously there was some trust there.. not like the bored arrogance of the so-called Marshal or the pompous self-importance of the blonde one. She was fuming about the blonde referring to her as a 'servant', she had half a mind to draw a pistol and put a bullet between his eyes.. but Saul's warning echoed in her head.

 

[Ghouly]

“Carssssstine better tell what happensssss on Geheimnisnacht!” Graveclaw roared angrily at Simon “NOW!”.

Jerek bellowed his rage at the threat to his master, in a flash Graveclaw spun around and drove his index and pinky fingers deep into Jerek's throat severing both the Jugular and Carotid artery with a snarl Graveclaw twisted his fist to the right as he yanked out his his talons. Jereks bellow broke off in a gargled sequel as the Varghulf collapsed onto the ground. Pointing his dripping talon at Simon Graveclaw spoke “Carsssstine better sssssstart talking!”.

 

[Gree]

''Would you just shut up?'' Mircea said with some annoyance. ''Talk like that some more and we shall kill you, believe me, we can do it with an entire army in this fortress, your ranting is annoying me.''

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon's eyes glowed as Jerek's wounds closed up and he got up to his feet. "Gravy, Gravy, Gravy you know better than to threaten me here. Your life is worthless.........." Simon was interupted as alarm bells suddenly sounded around the fortress and a voice could be heard shouting "TREACHERY! TREACHERY!" Simon leapt to his feet as Nar-Zuul emerged "MY LORD! ITS GONE!" he wailed. "Whats gone?" Simon asked concerned. "The Cruentus Ruby! ITS GONE! STOLEN! Zosz was there it must have been him." accused Nar-Zuul. Simon looked first at Nar-Zuul in shock and then his gaze moved over to Vekarin. "Your servant. YOUR SERVANT!" His eyes glowed again as he brought his fist down on to the table shattering it and breaking its legs "Take their weapons! TAKE THEIR BLASTED WEAPONS ALL OF THEM! GUAAAAAAAAAAAARDS!" he roared the bones in his face moving and cracking as his face morphed into something far more beast like. Heavily armoured wights burst into the room surrounding the vampires catching them off guard.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa hugged her daughter for a moment, a well of emotions whirlpooling inside her. So much had happened, so much was going through her mind, especially the last words that V'azrin had said to her. But now was not the time. She could hear the others arguing, and one thing she would not do is let her husbands death be in vain.

"It would appear you are right my child," Lesa finally said, slowly standing up. As she did Akarin walked towards her, presenting a sword with a flourish.
"Lady I have something which belongs to you." he said quietly. For a moment she could only stare, not wanting to touch the sword for what it represented, for how it reminded her what she had lost. Eventually her hand closed round the sword's hilt, the seething energies inside pulsing at the undead touch.
"Thank you Akarin, it is much appreciated," she murmured. Around her the vampire's arguments were getting louder, before Simon's angry bellows echoed through the room. As the wight's closed round Lesa lashed out with the sword, its touch disintegrating any it touched beyond repair.

"No one will take this," she snarled as she walked to the table,""Do you know all know what this is?" she hissed, pure rage flaring out of her eyes, "do you all recognise the blade of my husband? My husband, who I had to destroy with my own hands to release him and the rest of you from V'azrin's control.
Now I am sick of the constant arguments and bickering of this Council. We either work together as the leaders we are meant to be, or we may as well lay down and die. That means not accusing each other without substantial proof. Where is Zosz now?"

 

[Gree]

Mircea glanced over unperturbedly at Graveclaw, then at Vekarin. ‘’A pity, you would have been finished off’’ Mircea sighed, referring to Graveclaws. ‘’Ah well, we can’t get everything we want’’ he commented.

Upon hearing Lesa’ declaration, Mircea was tempted to do so just in order to piss her off, but he decided against it. He turned his red gaze over to Simon. ‘’What is this ruby? One of those artifacts you wanted to use for the ritual?’’ he questioned.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"The ritual?" Lesa said hearing Mircea's words, "so you are still going ahead with it then. Have you told the rest of the Council yet?"

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"It is the final piece with out it I can't perform the ritual and if I don't have it in Sylvania within seven days then we might as well dig our own graves and jump in!" said Simon looking slightly unhinged.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"When was the last time you checked it was there?" Lesa questioned, "if it has been stolen recently, then perhaps the thief is still nearby. This is a castle after all, and I assume the area where this was kept had some manner of security. It would make sense to carry out a search before we level accusations."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin strode up to carefully stand near Lesa, holding a hand up in a appeasing gesture
"I am sure the count will not take your Husbands Blade mi'lady, he was one of us after all." The Assassin said trying to sound reasonable glancing at Simon as he spoke.

Assured the Count would repect Lesa's wishes he turned to look at the other council members and then slowly he unsheathed the sword of Day, its brilliant white blade glittering as light hit it and he strode to stand next to Simon
"Your Orders my Lord?" he asked.

___________________________________________________

Karl heard Simon's shout from the chamber he was in, glancing at Lovette he bowed his head once more with a murmered thanks and then limped out of the room with Marc following.

Upon reaching the great hall he saw all the von Carstein undead surrounding the council, with a frown he made his way to Simon with Marc following the Blood Dragon having unsheathed one of his swords.
When he reached the count the Baron muttered
"What the bloody hell is going on?"

Edit: Ninja'd had to make some changes

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Aubervillier jumped to his feet, glad that he had worn his full plate and still carried his weapon.
"What his this?" he demanded, blade whistling round as a wight attempted to disarm him, "I am a knight of the Duke's order and only he may remove my blade." Bringing his blade up to guard he watched warily, unsure of what was going to unfold.

---

"Never has a truer word ever been spoken," the Duke said, chuckling softly. Carefully he lifted the cooling armour up, putting it to one side.
"I have not yet thanked your properly. If it were not for your intervention I would no doubt have met my final death. I had heard of your swordmanship, but I had not realised how truly skilled you are. Almost as good as me. The last part was said half jokingly, but there was a look of challenge in the Dukes eye as he stared at Victarias.

 

[Gree]

Walach walked in, still clad in full plate, except for his helmet, he had spent much time trying to find his brother, but he had not been too successful, somewhat dejected he came to the main hall.

‘’Alright I, Walach Harkon, Grand Master of the Blood Keep, am here.’’ he announced. He looked around. ‘’Is there a problem?’’ he said, noticing the armed wights.

Meanwhile Jan and Luke where still flipping off Vekarin and Aubervillie under their cloaks.

 

[Trevy the Great]

Vekarin stood, the Dark Blade flashing into his hands with a speed practiced over hundreds of years. It was clear by the manner in which he held the weapon that he did not mean to hand it over to the von Carstein's soldiers.
"This weapon is more valuable than your pathetic unlife, von Carstein," he stated, his eyes flashing as they fixed upon Simon, "so before you make such rash accusations and threaten my person I suggest you think very carefully. Zosz has not responded to my orders for some time, and I can no longer consider him my servant. In any case, what use could I possibly have for any of the pathetic trinkets that adorn your fortress. Indeed, it is you who seems treacherous. Not two days ago I was cutting down your own soldiers and now I am held as swordpoint by whose who would pretend to be an ally."
It was at that moment that the doors to the hall creaked open and a diminutive figure looked in, the invisible eyes of Zosz searching the room from beneath his hood.
"Pardon the intrusion, but it appears as though the wraith slave has labeled me as some sort of traitor. I would greatly like to disabuse you of that notion."

---

"You do me a great honor, lord Duke." Victarias replied sheepishly. Had vampires the ability to blush, the Blood Dragon's face would have been a shade of deep scarlet like the ichor of her bloodline's namesake, "I must confess that my technique has not been as it should be. During my.... incarceration much of my training was lost to the tortures of Morr. I am glad that my skill remains passable for even one such as yourself."

 

[Zaak the Uncanny]

Leathery wings beat the black air above Nexternus. The Carriage was still and silent, hovering eerily, as though waiting. It's driver was not present, and it seemed to be at a loss for direction without him.

A black mass swarmed up onto the missing vampire's seat, which soon dissolved leaving Zaak the Uncanny in its place. He sat quietly and contemplatively for some time, staring down at the windows of the castle, his supernatural hearing snatching him snippets of argument. This ragtag mob of vainglorious and capricious spirits of evil were unlike that which the rumors he had heard. The townsfolk of Sylvania spoke of a cohesive, deathly group of nightmares who moved swiftly and destroyed all in their path. In reality, they were slaves to in-fighting, pursuing their individual goals to the detriment of the group's, and were more of a danger to themselves than to the world at large.

It was a disappointment, yes, but a disillusioning one. He had hoped that he would find an unstoppable force capable of giving his daughter new life. He had been wrong. Even with all of Lesa's power, she was far too wrapped up in her own actions and her raw emotion to aid a little such-and-such like he. None of the others could do the deed either, and even if they could they wouldn't either. No, this council was of no use to Zaak. He did not belong there.

He did have his responsibilities though. He quickly called a bat to his side, and snapped its neck in his hands. He warped the mangled body into a slate of sorts with his dark powers, and he scrawled a message on it in bright violet light. It read, "I've left you a gift down below - Zaak the Uncanny". With his unholy powers he sent the grotesque message flying down, through a window, where it happened to land at Sweeney Todd's feet.

In the air above, Zaak smelled the air. It was crisp, and singed his nostrils with the scent of magic. There were things afoot to the north-west... Perhaps he could settle down, in a way. Pulling a whip like the Northern Lights from nowhere, he cracked it at the Hellsteed's backs. The Carriage lurched forward into the night, off to adventures of it's own.