TVC - Chapter 49 - Geheimnisnacht

[Knightofni]

"We'll volunteer for scouting.." Saul indicated to himself and Trinity who had both got to their feet, "There'll be no need to trouble the good Marshall from his dinner." He glanced sideways at Trinity, with a smirk on his face and dead-panned.. "Besides Gabriel's 'fascinating' toy has given my the appetite for a long walk."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Then please feel free Saul." said Simon moving back to the tables "But please report back within the hour." Saul nodded and with Trinity left the room. Simon approached Nar-Zuul "follow them!"he ordered "Don't you trust them young master?" asked Nar-Zuul puzzled. "Not all are as loyal to me as you my faithful family retainer and teacher." Nar-Zuul nodded and floated away. Simon sat back down in his chair "I wish I had someone to follow him." he muttered to himself.

 

[Trevy the Great]

"I'm sure that you are doing all that you can, mother," Requarah cooed to the older vampiress, "I think it is the von Carstein's themselves that are driving the Council apart, and perhaps the overreactions of the other bloodlines. It is one of the inherent weaknesses of our cursed blood that we will always be at war with each other, something I think that even father would have been able to overcome."
She ceased speaking as Karl approached the pair, and turned to face him as he spoke.
"I think we all feel the death of one as powerful and noble as Milosh keenly," she told him, thanking the Carstein for his concern.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul and Trinity walked out into the night not far from where the Baron was deep in conversation with the Lahmian and an unknown vampiress, and Saul briefly thought about commenting but decided better of it. Instead he made his way away from the Red Abbey with Trinity, who was checking her pistols, in tow.

Unfortunately their direction would take them straight past the Baron and the Whore.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl glanced at Requarah feeling somewhat taken aback by her gracious comment and he bowed his head slightly in response.
"He was your father...if not in blood then in spirit...if the Mistress Lesa is a member of this family then you are also and I formally apologise for The Count's...hasty actions." he said sincerely feeling his usual distaste for the Lahmian's fading slightly.

Hearing Saul pass the Baron turned and looked at him his usual Imperious personality resurfacing.
"And where are you going Saul?" he asked

 

[Knightofni]

Saul rounded to face Karl and snapped to attention, including a lazy salute and a wide grin.

"Going Scouting Sir. Count's orders Sir."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl almost laughed at Saul's demonstration.
Father would have called him 'spirited'...before breaking his neck he thought to himself, luckily Karl had managed to be somewhat more Diplomatic than his sire.

"Ah very wise I'm sure...but you are new to the Abbey...hmm." he trailed of forcing a thoughtful expression to his face.

Snapping his fingers he nodded.
"I know..."
Turning he shouted "Akarin!"

The Assassin strode up looking slightly wary
"Yes My Lord?"
"Why don't you go and help out the young Scout here."
Akarin nodded
As you command Baron."

Karl turned and flashed a smile at Saul.
"Well get at it Soldier." he said before turning his back on the other vampire to continue his conversation with the Lahmians.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa was surprised at Karl's words, and for a moment she simply stared. Noticing her silence he began to speak once more before she interrupted,

"Excuse my discourtesy, I was not ignoring your words," she said, "it was just how you spoke then.........it reminded me of Milosh. He was always so diplomatic and always managed to somehow get along with those that he didn't even like, even those who at first thought they did you like him. You have such similar mannerisms," she finished, a sad smile on her face, her eyes shining.

"At any rate thank you for the apology. I know I have been.....sensitive to certain issues and perhaps overreacted. I know Simon did not mean to offend me, he has if anything been the most gracious and understand of your bloodline. Perhaps it is because I have nothing left of Milosh that it upset me."

Realising her manners she walked forward, offering her hand,
"I am pleased to have finally met you Karl, and I think if Milosh had been here that he would have too. You are most definitely cut from the same cloth."

 

[Knightofni]

Saul snapped off another lazy salute and turned away from Karl to face Trinity, who was nearly doubled over in silent laughter, and the newly arrived Akarin. Still grinning, he gestured for Trinity to lead the way..

"Ladies first."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl smiled faintly, he could understand her meaning if anything every happened to Emilie...
Dragging his mind from such thoughts took Lesa'a hand lightly before raising it to his lips and kissing it lightly.

"You do me great honour Lady, from what I've learnt of your husband he was a great vampire."
"perhaps it's our direct link with Father that lends us similar mannerisms as you said...if you look at my brothers, Mannfred who despite his hunger for power...or perhaps because of it he achieved great things, Konrad despite his Madness was a swordsman of rare quality and Dear Isabella had her beauty...even Fritz and Hans showed talents in certain areas...then there was Pieter but he was always a runt." his smile grew fonder as he remembered his brothers, he had cared for them in his own way.
"I am less than most of my brothers in many ways but I am glad I could live to see the revival of Vlad...I had not thought it possible." he murmered to himself.

Shaking his head slightly he allowed his stance to become more relaxed and he smiled feeling slightly embaressed.
"Apologies I ramble. There is of course no need for apologies, you reacted as any in your circumstances should...Simon's an energetic fellow and that same energy that may make him speak at times too brashly is also the same drive that has led to this moment...one of the highest points in the history of Sylvania. He truely has done well for one of his age and generation." said soundling slightly Proud of his Nephew in Death.

 

[Get of W'soran]

"Hey Boss, got a vistor! Silibar called over to Simon as the Assassin entered the room.

Three other vampires cowled and dressed in black entered dragging a struggling figure, the man's eyes where bound and his mouth gagged, his hands were also tied behind his back.

Silibar's usual grin grew wider.

"Mr Damek to see you sir!"

 

[Gree]

After Mircea finished with a serving girl he got up. ''I have to change, for the ritual, these cloths are dirty'' he said as he left.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"That is certainly true," Lesa agreed, "Simon's drive has ensured that he has risen faster than thought possible. Yet I worry........the faster he rises the more risks he takes, the less he seems to care of the consequences. No matter what we would like to think, we are not the unkillable gods some of the mortals think we are. Through his actions he has now surrounded himself with enemies on all sides, and I wonder if even Vashanesh has the strength to overcome them all."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl sighs slightly.
"I would of once bet my sires strength against anything...but after Altdorf...well regardless Vlad is a more cautious sort than Simon and hes one man that my young nephew truely respects so he may help keep him in line." the Baron says sounding slightly distracted.

Glancing up at the Sky he frowns
"I do wish this night would hurry...I live for a Millenia and now I worry about a few hours."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon looked over at the bound vampire "Well how the mighty have fallen!" he said watching the scene with a look of amusement. "You don't seem very talkative today Damek. Normally I'd be hearing some witty comeback by now." Simon came closer "I know that my rule here is coming to an end but I think you'll agree that I've handled this command rather well wouldn't you say?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

Silibar tore the gag from the other vampire.

Straightening up Tremere attempted at least some grasp of dignity
"I have no quarrel with you Simon...in the name of Nagash we where comrades! You, I, Meyerling and Peter!" the other vampire hissed.

"Surely you can't hold my fool sire's actions against me!"

Before Simon could reply Silibar stuck the gag back into his mouth with a grin
"Hes a mage, can't be too careful eh?"

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Comrades! COMRADES!!!!" Simon roared letting a centuries worth of frustration rise to the surface. "You and the bulk of the second generation looked down on me from day one. Lets all laugh at the poet and his insane concubine. You claimed loyalty to grandfather and yet when he fell at Altdorf who stayed and tried to reverse our fortunes. Was it Konrad or Hans or perhaps Mannfred!? Was it you Damek? No it was Mircea and it was me. Two third generation gets showed more courage and loyalty than the entire second generation." Simon pointed his finger at Damek "AND NOW!! The poet has finally shown his worth. The second generation is practically gone. I've weeded out the weak links, righted a few wrongs and now I'm bringing grandfather back and standing at his right hand while he takes this world by force will be me and Mircea and Karl. The only von Carsteins from that day and age who remained loyal. You're finished Damek! Consider yourself surpassed."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Tremere stared for a moment before his shoulders began to shake, he laughs until the lossened gags slips from his mouth.

"Simon, Simon...hot-headed and Fiery as always." he says through his laughing.

"I respected you by the end of that war....I was inside the walls of Altdorf in an attempt to find you or the General but the army was fleeing and without support I was forced to follow...I damn near well died." he says still attempting to force his laughter to stop.

"If only you'd came back Simon...came back and helped keep the family together under man Konrad and then my own Sire...if only you'd been there perhaps such anger may never have gathered."

Tremere shakes his head and sighs.
"I remain as the single greatest mage of our Line...even Mannfred's power...well regardless. I came here because I knew you had planned to do something massive...bring back Vashanesh? Well yes that would be something indeed."

Shrugging he looks up at Simon.
"So how're you gona get rid of me Captain Simon von Carstein of the Wolf Pack?"

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Perhaps the old fashioned way Damek" said Simon. Suddenly removing Animessor from its scabbard he rammed it right through Damek's chest. Caught by surprise Damek grasped the blade and let loose a scream of agony that echoed throughout the Abbey. As Simon watched he appeared to firstly burst into flame and then to slowly collapse into dust. Simon replaced Animessor as Sariah clapped in delight. "Take Damek's remains back to Drakenhof and see they receive a proper burial." Simon ordered a manservant.

 

[Remakaru]

Leo had never traveled so far into Sylvania, such a thing would have been unthinkable as a human and even in undeath this whole experience was unsettling at best. The land was a an abomination to nature, dead trees and blasted earth hummed with an energy that the plant life to the north did come remotely close to emulating. Yet it felt right, he hadn’t taken a real breath of air for over a century and yet the vampire likened this feeling to when he would return home from a journey in the days of his youth. He knew that he was home, but he did not know exactly where home was.

Leo stood on a knoll overlooking a fortress of stone, below there was a flurry of activity as figures shambled around the grounds. Even from a couple of hundred meters away Leo knew exactly what he saw, his beyond perfect vision picking out the occasional awkward bone and hunched backs of undead creatures. Leo knew without a doubt that some master of the dark arts had taken residence in the ruins before him. He would have to go down and see who was there, curiosity overpowered the young vampires sense of danger.

The vampire took inventory of his belongings. Reaching a hand to his head he adjusted the strap of the wolf mask that was perched just above his forehead making sure that it was secure and so that his eyes were not covered by the bone. Leo’s bear hide was wrapped around his waste revealing a naked upper body of sinewy muscle and crisscrossed in scars. Over his right shoulder the young vampire had set his bow and quiver of arrows. There was but one thing about Leo that could have been called an imperfection and that was based upon what he held in his left arm, mainly: his right arm. Where the vampire should have had his right arm attached was only an oozing stump where his arm had been torn off. About 10 miles north the young vampire had come across a monstrous creature that he could have only called a bat from the very bowels of hell. He had slain the beast but had paid for the victory with a huge impairment, it didn’t hurt but if it wasn’t fixed before Leo’s next fight he would be in some trouble.

With a yawn the vampire walked down the hill and made his way towards the castle, his dismembered arm swinging back and forth. What he really needed was some kind of cord and needle to reattach the arm. perhaps, he thought to himself, if I kill one of the creatures ahead of me I could probably fashion some kind of thread and needle from them. That would have to do.

 

[Knightofni]

In the blink of an eye a steel blade was across the throat of the newcomer, persuading him to stop. Glaring, Saul held one of his blades at arms length its cold tip resting on the newcomer's thyroid, and to his right; Trinity leveled a pistol at the intruder's head. And as if that wasn't enough to persuade the newcomer that resistance would be severely damaging for his already damaged health, Akarin materialised out of the darkness behind him, the assassin's expression was one of icy hostility.

"Well, well. What have we here?" Saul looked over the newcomer's appearance with slight disdain mingled with mild curiosity, he sniffed the air around the newcomer tentatively before wrinkling his nose, He glanced up at Akarin, "Definitely not with the Council.. I'd recognise the scent, no, he's definitely new. Which makes him a potential hostile."

"So what do we do with him?" Trinity's usually soft and friendly tones were replaced with a hardness which filled Saul with certain apprehension, she only ever spoke like that when she was in a bad mood and usually it was Saul that was on the receiving end of such ire.

"I say we kill him, the Count wanted us back within the hour and I'll wager we're already late. This is an unnecessary delay." Saul turned his head sideways to look at Trinity, and was met by a familiar disapproving glare. It was the glare that she used to make him feel guilty or when he was being unduly harsh or hypocritical; which was fair enough he figured when he recalled his own less-than-gracious introduction to the Council but a few days ago.

But that was a Council united, not a Council fractured.. seemingly irreparably fractured. And to arrive unannounced in von Carstein territory, and being obviously not a von Carstein, on this night when the von Carstein family was at its most vigilant was tantamount to suicide. Sighing, and shrugging his shoulders, Saul turned to face Akarin; who as the oldest and most experienced amongst them should have the deciding opinion.

"What do you think Akarin?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin tapped a finger against his forearm staring at the man coldly before switching his gaze to Saul.

"Normally I'd merely kill the intruder however this night is not normal and if he has arrived for any reason to do with tonights ceremonies..." he trailed off with a faint frown.

"I have no taste for it but he will have to be questioned by the Count or perhaps a conversation with Lucius." he continued in an even tone.

He hoped Saul and Trinity understood why this new vampire had to live, he could potentially be somehow related to the council and despite Simon's confidence in Vlad's strength Akarin wasn't sure that a conflict against them would turn out very well for the von Carsteins.


After a moment he spoke to the trespasser;

"I do not sense our blood in you thus you are not von Carstein yet you are clearly vampire-kind. You will return with us to our Master and answer all and any questions asked of you. Resist and I shall be forced to use more painful methods to detain you." he said icily as he unsheathed the dazzlingly white blade of day.

"Understood?"

 

[Remakaru]

Leo had picked off the girl as the weakest link of the two figures who now confronted him. She was fast but in terms of stealth she was severely lacking, in fact if it wasn’t for her the young woodsman vampire was sure that he probably would have been caught off guard by the duo. The male who held his sword to Leo’s throat was as silent as death and would probably give the young vampire a run for his money in any environment. Then the figure behind Leo made his presence known and what had seemed like a fairly positive situation was dashed instantly.

"Well, well. What have we here?"

Leo didn’t care for the way that the man looked at him, it reminded him of the same look that the wolf he now wore had given him. Is he looking down on me?

"Definitely not with the Council.. I'd recognise the scent, no, he's definitely new. Which makes him a potential hostile."

Council? I know of no council. The outside world was still as strange as ever and a part of Leo wished he had never left the refuge of the forested lands to the north. Yet the beasts there were no longer a challenge to his strength, it had been a long time since he had suffered a wound as grievous as the one that the bat creature in this place had inflicted upon him.

The male and female began to speak among themselves, trying to decide the fate of the interloper. In truth Leo was done with them, he felt that they were barely stronger than him and therefore were no longer worth his time. So Leo simply turned to the one who had snuck up behind him and caught him off guard. He was a worthy opponent and Leo couldn’t help but feel the urge to strike.

"What do you think Akarin?"

So you are called Akarin?

"I do not sense our blood in you thus you are not von Carstein yet you are clearly vampire-kind. You will return with us to our Master and answer all and any questions asked of you. Resist and I shall be forced to use more painful methods to detain you."

"Understood?"

Leo saw Akarin unsheathe his blade and that was it, he couldn’t sit back and let such a powerful individual go untested. Akarin’s white sword was the most soul stirring thing that the vampire had ever seen and the other individual had deferred to his judgment. Martial Honor demanded that Leo challenge this man to combat no matter how powerful he was.

“Pain be damned... Akarin, prepare yourself!”

Leo strafed to the left as he yelled his challenge and threw his dismembered right arm at Akarin. Then he instantly corrected his movement and rushed towards his opponent drawing one of his long knives and going in for the kill.

 

[Get of W'soran]

The Blade of Day leapt up but didn't meet in knife, instead Akarin moved with unbelievable speed to merely dodge the attack.

"Saul keep Trinity back." Akarin ordered calmly as he watched his foe, the vampire knew how to use that knife but he suffered from grevious wounds.

"I shall give you another chance....stand down and..." Akarin cut off as the stranger struck at him once more and forced the assassin to raise his sword to parry the blade.

Akarin stepped in hammering his elbow of the injured vampire's nose before slashing his sword against the dagger to shove it out of the way as he jumped back.

This is too dangerous...I could accidently kill him. he thought with frustration as he sheathed the sword.

Holding up his empty hands he smiled as the vampire attacked him once more however this time he used the flat on his hand to smash aside the man's wrist and delivered a lightning punch to his face, before kicking him in the stomach.

Before the other vampire could recover Akarin leapt forward to grab his wrist and with a swift twist he snapped it causing the hand to lose grip of the dagger.
With his spare hand he siezed the man's hair and yanked his head forward to stare into his eyes.
Akarin's right eye slowly turned crimson and the other vampire heard the assassin's voice with painful clarity within his mind.

"Sleep!"

For a few moments it looked like the stranger would fight the hypnotic ability but in his tired and injured state he couldn't summon the will and instead collapsed.

Akarin's eye turned pitch black once more and he put a hand against the right side of his head grimacing in pain and his shoulders slumped at the exhaustion the technique caused.

Glancing at Saul he nodded.

"Bring him."

 

[Remakaru]

Dodge, parry, elbow blow, slash. Leo was already disoriented when the punch and kick combo hit him. Akarin was incredibly fast and his skill in the martial arts was far above the one who he was now beating senseless, there was no denying that Leo had picked a fight with an opponent he could not hope to defeat. Disgraceful… fight… on… must. Confused thoughts began to form back into intelligent inner dialogue, Leo was certain that if he brought up his knife he could continue his fight. The long knife fell to the ground in blurry slow motion and Leo was vaguely aware of a snapping sound. Was… that… Sometime during the scuffle the woodsman’s wolf mask had fallen off of his head and was now hanging off his neck by the head strap. Leo’s hair which was covered in a variety of plant life was grasped by Akarin’s hand and the two fighter’s eyes met. The young vampire tried to meet his gaze with as much ferocity that he could muster but he could barely stand now.

"Sleep!"

Leo’s eyes widened in surprise, he had heard the voice but his opponents lips had not moved and now every part of his body was growing heavy with exhaustion. The vampire tried to struggle and let out a roar of primal fury in his attempt a roar which devolved into a half hearted hiss as consciousness was lost. Good fight… I knew that coming to this land was a good idea… so many powerful opponents…