TVC - Chapter 49 - Geheimnisnacht

[Knightofni]

Saul stopped dragging the unconscious form of the newcomer, and lifted it off the ground and put it over his shoulder. At the same time he shot a begrudgingly wary glance in Akarin's direction, who was leading the way a few paces ahead of Saul; the assassin's hypnotic trick have unnerved Saul somewhat.

"That Hypno-Trick of yours is quite something, eh? Remind me never to piss you off, Akarin.", Saul shifted the unconscious vampire's weight, which was a little more than he had expected considering the vampire's size, into a more comfortable position on his shoulder. The shift in concentration brought something else to Saul's attention; there was another scent in the air.. a familiar one, but it was alone.. How odd.

He stood still for a moment, a grin etched across his features before he shook his head and followed after Akarin and Trinity.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin smiled faintly, his personality almost changing as he once again became rather relaxed;

"It is quite useful, I had always wanted to see if I could have made Vlad give me a day off with it...more likely he would have used some sort of strange magic to make my head explode though." the Assassin said jokingly.

Under Akarin's arm he carried the dismembered limb of the captured Blood Dragon and he had also stuck the vampire's long dagger under his belt.

After a short period of time the three where walking down the corridor where Karl and Lesa still stood conversing.

"Just keep going or we'll be bombarded by questions." the Assassin muttered to Trinity and Saul.


As they passed the Baron and Lahmian, Akarin stopped and gestured for Saul to keep walking before beginning to speak quickly.

"Captured Prisoner my lord, my lady; so we must keep going, need to get him to the Count quickly, you know before this nights great happenings."

As Saul and Trinity turned a corner becoming out of sight Akarin bowed and rambled of a quick apology before following quickly.


Reaching Saul and Trinity he walked quietly with them until they reached the hall Simon stood in, Akarin quickly noticed Silibar and a few other Assassins where standing against the wall.
Frowning he shot Silibar a questioning look but the other Assassin merely grinned as usual.

Shrugging Akarin bowed to Simon and gestured for Saul to drop the vampire.

"Count we found an uninvited guest sniffing around the Abbey." he said softly before grabbing the uncouncious vampire and pulling him to his knees.

"He was somewhat injured." Akarin continued throwing a dismembered arm to the ground.

"Awake." he hissed causing Leo to regain counciousness.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"This must be the second uninvited guest to arrive here this night alone." said Simon poking the prisoner with his foot. He turned back to a robed human holding an urn. "Make sure that Damek's remains are safely stowed away. I'm not finished with him yet." The robed human bowed and then left.

Simon's attention focused once again on the prisoner "Where did you find this no account?" he asked Akarin.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Damek...surely he doesn't mean...Tremere Akarin thought with distaste but shoved the thought aside.

Straightening but keeping a firm grip on the vampire's shoulder he spoke.

"Only a few minutes away from the Abbey, within walking distance easily. I had thought it better to bring him back instead of killing him due to the significance of tonight. I believed it better if you or perhaps Lucius questioned him to see if his appearance here was intenional." The Assassin said glanced down at the prisoner.

 

[Remakaru]

Leo’s eyes opened the moment he heard the command to wake up and was momentarily disoriented. He felt a hand firmly on his shoulder and was fairly confused at finding himself on his knees before another Vampire who had blond hair and a young face. Almost as young as mine if I wasn’t scarred Leo mused to himself. But of course this wasn’t so important to the young vampire right now. At this moment he wondered why he was still alive. His superior foe had decided to spare his life it despite the fact that he had blatantly attacked him. In the wilds this was called stupidity but of course the beasts of the land did not have any concept of martial honor. Leo supposed that martial honor demanded that he be respectful. So he kept his mouth shut and listened.

"Where did you find this no account?"

Leo was beginning top question whether coming to these lands was such a good idea. Here his kind was accepted but considering what was happening now it seemed that something big was happening in Sylvania. He knew that this was his first time to ever reveal his existence to the greater vampire world but it occurred to Leo, why should anyone care if I’m a ‘no account’?

"Only a few minutes away from the Abbey, within walking distance easily. I had thought it better to bring him back instead of killing him due to the significance of tonight. I believed it better if you or perhaps Lucius questioned him to see if his appearance here was intenional."

Leo turned his head and looked up to Akarin.

“Does this one lead your pack Akarin?”

Leo used his head to point towards the blond haired vampire. If one as strong as Akarin took his orders from this new individual that meant that Akarin wasn’t the strongest in the group. If only Akarin did not hold my life in his hand… Leo could feel his second knife beneath his bear pelt, it would be tricky to draw the blade from beneath there with his left hand when he normally went for it with his right but not to difficult. The real issue was reaching the target without Akarin stopping him. Leo put these thoughts aside, he couldn’t justify such a dishonorable act and so he simply waited

ooc: Edit Note: Changed other people's words to green.

 

[Get of W'soran]

"This is Count Simon von Carstein, leader of the realms of Sylvania and the current master of the von Carstein bloodline." he said calmly.

Squeezing the other vampire's shoulder he continued.

"He leads a 'pack' of dozens, perhaps even up to a hundred vampires."

This one probably assumes Simon is the most powerful of us...well it matters not, this one would pose no threat to the Count in any form even uninjured. he thought to himself.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

OOC: Remakaru - please don't use the red and bold format - that is reserved for admins / mods only.

Thanks

DoN

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Probably more than that by now." said Simon. He examined the newcomer "I don't think this one is with the council." he stated "I can only assume that on a night like this. Beings like this one are being attracted here like moths to a flame." He back over to Akarin "You've done good work, you and your assassins in catching these pests before they become a hindrance. However I think security should be tightened over this entire area just for the next few hours. Do you have enough men?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin frowned,
"There are currently thirty three of us including myself and Silibar...we lost a few during the reaper and dreadlord attack and recruitment ceased since I abandoned Mannfred." he started

With a slight nod he continued;
"I think it would be wiser to have perhaps twenty guard the perimeter moving amongst the Marshal's currently positioned guard. The rest should be free to move within the Abbey incase any of the family or skilled infiltrators believe they can interfere with our plans." the assassin concluded.

He frowned again as he realised something.
"There are also around five Associates who have not finished there training, they could be seconded to a few of the perimeter guard."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Well then," Lesa said as Saul, Akarin, Trinity and another unknown vampire walked past, "I suppose we had best return to the main hall and see what Simon's plan next entails."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin's an idiot the Baron thought to himself idley.

Hearing Lesa's voice Karl flashed a smile at her and Requarah as he gestured down the hall.
"After you Mi'Ladies" he said politely.

 

[Remakaru]

"He leads a 'pack' of dozens, perhaps even up to a hundred vampires."

Leo’s eyes brightened as his assumption were affirmed. The whole bloodlines thing was complete nonsense to Leo but this Count Simon Von Carstein was a leader among vampires. Leaders were powerful, leaders deserved respect and leaders always proved to be the most interesting creatures.

"I don't think this one is with the council."

Yet again there was this mention of a council and whether or not he was a part of it. What is this council? At first Leo had found the whole thing uninteresting but now he was curious.

"I can only assume that on a night like this. Beings like this one are being attracted here like moths to a flame."

Leo nodded, it was certainly true that he was a moth compared to the two Akarin and the Count. Although that couldn’t be what the count was referring too. This whole place was abuzz with activity and something else, as if the very air was filled with energy. Anticipating, nervous energy.

“What exactly is this Council you speak of? I have heard it mentioned several times and I have no idea what everyone is talking about.”

Leo threw this question out to both Akarin and Simon.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin considered Leo for a moment before responding, there was no harm in it he supposed.

"The Council is a gathering of vampires from different bloodlines...different 'packs' with no leader, it is a weak thing both fractured and indecisive not like our family...not like the Count's Pack." the Assassin said softly a faint smile touching his lips despite his tone being filled with disdain, not for the Council members itself but it's natural inefficency had always disgusted him.

 

[Gree]

Mircea finished changing into his armor and black wolf cloak. It was refreshing to be again in his war plate than the dress suit he wore for the party. At his hip was his runesword and Mannfred’s blade. He also carried Vlad’s sword.

He looked at the blade. It had been many centuries since Vlad’s death. Over four centuries. He had many memories of the blade, he had cut down countless enemies with it and carved a path of blood through history.

Now it would no longer be his, it was not a bad thing, it’s rightful owner would soon reacquired and it would be a small price to pay for Vlad’s return. He could practically feel the anticipation.

Something landed behind him. It was the Shade.

‘’Tremere is dead’’ Mircea glanced behind him. Slightly surprised at the news.

‘’Really?’’

‘’I thought you would have more of a reaction at that.’’

‘’I do, But death is rarely permanent for my kind ad Vlad will soon prove.’’ Mircea answered.

The Shade shrugged.

‘’Well Tremere was captured and slain by Simon after he mouthed off, not a wise decision on his part, after all, Third Generation vampires do not grow on trees you know.’’ the Shade remarked.

Mircea ignored him and walked out.

‘’where are you going?’’ the Shade asked.

‘’To prepare for the ceremony’.’ Mircea called.

He made his way down the flights of corridors, past the silent Wight Guards who manned the hallways and stairways, past the lit torches. He soon came to were the rest of the Carsteins were.

Mircea eyed the newcomer. ‘’Who is this?’’ he asked coldly.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

As Mircea walked into the hall, so did Lesa, Karl and Requarah from the opposite door. Seeing the captured vampire Lesa looked at Simon questioningly,
“For one in his unlife Mircea asks a valid question. I didn’t realise you were taking in waifs and strays, especially ones as young as this. The night is getting on if you are to carry out your plan.”

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"I'm not taking in strays. They just keep coming." said Simon annoyed "If you count your get then this is the third one to arrive in the last hour. I've already killed one of them! I don't want to have to spend my evening killing everything that wanders in."

 

[Remakaru]

Leo face scrunched in mild disgust up as he heard Akarin’s description of The Council. The young vampire had never been apart of a real group but he knew from his experiences in the wilds that only an efficient pack survived. Only a wolf pack with a strong leader was able to get the job done and the fact that these other ‘bloodlines’ did not have a leader appalled Leo. The fact that they assumed he was apart of such a group offended him slightly.

Two new vampires arrived and made inquiries as to who Leo was so he decided to introduce himself. Looking to Akarin and then to Simon he spoke.

“I am Leo Giusma…”

Leo looked to the ground where his dismembered arm lay. He grasped the arm with his left hand and lifted it up for all to see.

“… what do you guys think about helping me out with this arm, maybe a needle and thread or something…?”

Leo trailed off, now that he had gotten back onto the subject of his arm he really needed to find a way to fix it. When he was alive, he knew an arm needed to be reattached as soon as possible and even then there was no guarantee it would be fine. But in undeath everything had a way of being different.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon looked over to injured vampire "Place your arm to your shoulder." he ordered. Confused Leo obeyed pressing the end of the severed arm to where it was originally attached.

Simon's eyes glowed and Leo felt a tickling sensation he looked down and was astounded to see the flesh knitting back together. Soon he was to feel the life in his arm as it came back. He willed his fingers to move and they obeyed instantly. Simon's eyes stopped glowing "Many in this world have the honour of being if not dead then at least severely injured by me. But only a handful have the honour of being healed by my hands." he said "Don't take your recovery lightly."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Akarin released Leo, if Simon saw fit to heal him then there was obviously no reason to treat him as a threat.

Anyway with himself, Silibar and the other assassins in the room Leo would be dead before he had a chance to strike at Simon.

"This is yours." Akarin said dropping the blade he had taken of the other vampire earlier to the ground.

Stepping back he gestured for Silibar to leave, the Assassin had heard Akarin speak to the Count about the assassins guarding the Abbey and the silver haired vampire was smart enough to know that his master wanted him to carry out these orders.

For his own part Akarin moved to stand near Saul quietly.

 

[Gree]

‘’Leo?’’ Mircea muttered. He did not like the look of this man or how he got in here at all. To him having such trash get near the ritual sight was a massive insult. He frowned as he watched Simon heal the man.

‘’How long until the ritual?’’ the Marshal asked casually. Part of him still wondered about Damek. He would address that after Vlad returned.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul was bored, mind-numbingly so. And judging Trinity's expression, she was too. Saul was beginning to think that perhaps it would have been more exciting, if a little unwise, to go with the others to Altdorf.. he'd rather spend the time in the company of the less organised Council members than spend it here, in this disgusting place, doing nothing.

Simon had promised that this night would be remembered long in history, but so far it wasn't exactly living up to expectations. But he had made the decision to follow Simon here, at the expense of the rest of the Council, so he would have deal with the consequences of that action.. for better or for worse.

He saw Akarin approach, and decided that if he was committed to this cause then it was about time that someone told him just what the fugging hell was going on. He faced Akarin.

"Just out of mild curiosity.. what the fugging hell is going on? And if you use the phrase Divine Plan like that lunatic Lucius then I swear I'll think about hurting you."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Not long now Brother." said Simon raising a hand to his ear and listening intently. "The preparations are being performed now." he said smiling "I can hear the chanting. We don't want to get there too early otherwise we'll just get bored. Let Vlad's disciples have their bit of fun. Afterall they're going to meet they're God for the first time tonight." Letting his hand drop down to his side he looked at his brother. "You seem disturbed brother. Is there something bothering you?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

"The Divine Plan shall be brought to its fullest and then you shall see the face of a true god." he whispered seriously staring at Saul.

Then he cracked a smile and said loudly.

"I have to go check on the Perimeter, why don't you and Trinity come along."

Bowing to Simon he turned and strode out of the Hall with the two vampire following looking confused.


As they walked atop the walls of the Abbey Akarin spoke.

"I am unsure what Simon has told you and truth be told I think it's only fair that you know...for if the Lahmian can be told everything then why not you?"

Leaning against the Wall he stared out over the dark land of Sylvania before glancing around at the Wight's that where patrolling this section, as they strode out of sight Akarin turned his gaze upon Saul.

"You are von Carstein so it is your heritage that we speak of. This night Simon plans to ressurect the Great Count and father of our line...he plans the rebirth of Vashanesh."

__________________________________

After Akarin, Saul and his little get girl left the Baron frowned at Simon.

"So what exactly is going on...just this little prisoner?" Karl said arrogantly looking down his nose at Leo.

After a few moments Emilie made her way over to Karl, roughly pushing her way to stand between him and Lesa throwing the Lahmian a look of hatred.

For his part Karl merely smiled at his wife;
"Hello Dear."

 

[Gree]

Mircea thought about telling Simon about the Shade, but decided against it. It was more trouble than it was worth and Vlad was more important. Such things could not distract him at all.

‘’Nothing’’ he lied. ‘’I’m just excited for the ritual and his return'.'

 

[Remakaru]

Leo examined his reattached arm, everything seemed to be in order, the hand and all of the smaller digits moved as if the arm had never been wounded. This Count Simon von Carstein was powerful, there was no doubt about this. Somehow Leo had been supremely lucky this day; he had come across at least two powerful individuals.

“Thank you Count, I will not forget the honor that you have placed on me.”

Leo picked up his knife and spoke to Akarin before the older vampire left.

"I thank you as well, I look forward to our next match.”

Leo sheathed his long knife in the belt under his bear hide and noticed another vampire staring at him. Leo didn’t like the way in which the stare was being conveyed, it reminded him of a great mountain cat he had once killed. Leo tilted his head slowly to the side, popping his neck as he stared straight back at the vampire. Then he simply backed up against a far wall, squatting to the stone floor where he began to examine his bow and arrows. He also listened, he had heard what Simon had said about a God and that had intrigued him.