TVC - Chapter 49 - Geheimnisnacht

[Simon von Carstein]

It was at eight o clock in the evening when the vampires sat down for their meal. Simon sat at the centre of the table with Nar-Zuul behind his chair. To his right sat Sariah with the Wight King Crom standing behind her chair next to her was Lesa and Aurelius. On Simon's right sat Karl and Mircea.

On another table could be found various gets of the assembled vampires: Jan and his brother Luke from Mircea's faction, As well as Lucius and his brothers Marius and Maximillian, Saul and Trinity were also sat at the table alongside Gabriel. Gabriel was demonstrating a device which allowed him bring his pistol into firing position quickly to his cousins. Though only Maximillian and Luke looked impressed.

Simon took a swig from his goblet "Now! heres how its going to work." he said to the vampires at his table "The resurrection will begin at midnight precisely when Morrslieb is at its zenith. I will have technically finished the ritual and we will just have to wait. There will be quite a light show and thats why I will need your troops in a defensive position around the Abbey. A lot of attention is going to be drawn here."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl glanced to his right at Emilie smiling faintly at her before turning his attention to Simon;
"The garrisoned troops have been in standard defensive position for days however if you wish me to take Akarin and organise our dear family members then I think it would be best if Micrea reorganised the soldiers to suit him." the Baron said before sipping his goblet frowning as Wight King Tarzik enters to slowly take position behind the Baron. Shrugging slightly to himself Karl continued;
"Ademus refused to come to dinner, he seems to have a lack of faith in the wizards here." Karl muttered sounding faintly annoyed at his get.

Raising an Eyebrow as the glanced around the table he wondered to himself.
Where was Akarin?

__________________________________________________

The Assassin stood with his sword to the other vampire's throat;
"When I say the Count is busy that is what I mean...understood?"
The lesser vampire give quick worried nod before Akarin lowered his blade.
Turning he glanced at the familiar face of his second.
"Have things been this bad since you got here?"

The grinning vampire laughed slightly.
"It ain't so bad Boss." Silibar said.

With a sigh Akarin sheathed his sword and turning walked away.
"Keep an eye on the family, I am going to attend the Count, Baron and Marshal."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon raised an eyebrow "I admit my boys are somewhat lacking as wizards but only when compared to us!" he said gesturing to the other lords "What problems does Ademus have to lack faith in my abilities?"

"Talking of abilities Simon. Perhaps you'd care to tell us about this ritual of yours." said Lesa looking over to him. "Simon glanced over "Why certainly. I'd be happy to. But I might as well start at the beginning with Vlad who was a most mysterious being to say the least." Both Karl and Mircea nodded in agreement.

"You see Lesa unlike the other bloodlines who have stayed together more or less we know nothing of our bloodlines origins. Only Vlad and perhaps Mannfred were privy to that information and they never shared it, Nor did anyone ever ask them. I on the other hand am a scholar, A collector and gatherer of knowledge. I made discreet enquiries about it because although Vlad had not forbidden the research of our origins I felt safer keeping the number of people who knew to a minimum. I started my search at the library at Drakenhof aided by my cousin Constantin who was a fellow scholar with a similar interest to mine." Simon paused "We discovered that our grandsire Vlad was just one name he had gone by over the years about thirteen hundred years ago he was called Prince Vladimir and before that he was called Vashanesh." Simon drained his goblet and gestured for it to be refilled by a skelatal attendant "If you believe the stories I dredged up then he was born in ancient Khemri somewhere between three and a half to four thousand years ago. On his fathers side he could claim descent from the greatest Lahmian Kings and on his mothers side he could claim descent from Nagash himself. No one really knows the specifics of his origin as a vampire except maybe Neferata. But what I do know is that he was the last of the master vampires to be created and the first of our kind. The patriarch of all von Carsteins."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa nodded her head as Simon spoke,

“I have heard of that before, but never substantiated. When I was first sired I heard Neferata speaking of such things, although it was normal with great hatred. It seems that at some point he incurred her wrath, something to do with Nagash choosing him over her. Unfortunately she did not go into much detail, by that point she had normally flown into a rage.
It seems the information you have uncovered supports what I heard, though it does beg the question of how she will react one she realises that he has been resurrected.”


From one of the shadowy corners high above an unseen figure listened intently. She had followed the Carsteins when they had left Nuln, none of them realising the extra passenger they had picked up. As she listened she fought with all her strength to restrain herself, something which normally she would not have to do. If the Carstein’s plans were to come to fruition they could risk her own, yet perhaps they could also be turned to her benefit.

Thinking for a moment she resolved to listen longer, a plan formulating in her mind.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl waved a hand at dismissively at Simon's first question;
"Ademus is convinced he's a master mage and simpily complains to often, it's his refusal to eat with the family that bothers me not him moaning." the Baron muttered.

As Simon continued explaining about Vlad, Karl nodded;
"The one that used to be called Damek von Carstein, a scholar of our family, told me that his sire Mannfred had told him this also..apparently there is a text compiled by my Dear Borother on all of the first of our kind inside which it explains that Vlad is indeed Vashanesh." The Baron said turning his attention to Lesa.

"As for Neferata...the Lahmians physically pose little threat to Sylvania and whilst I know you...like others...may find my words drenched in the arrogance of our Family it is true from what I've witness amongst the Lahmian convens, it is their influence with the Empire and other realms that worries me." he explained.

Giving a short laugh Karl shook his head
"Regardless, father will know what to do when he awakes...it is almost to bad that the Snake Damek isn't still around, he had met with Neferata as Mannfred's representative I think."

After Karl finished speaking Akarin entered the Hall, he moved to bow before the main table before speaking.
"Our family grow bored I think but Silibar is watching them." he said with faint amusement.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Thank you Akarin you've done an excellent job. I've no doubt that grandfather will commend you for you're assistance." said Simon before turning back to Karl.

"As useful as Damek maybe he is still a get of Mannfred and about as trustworthy as the council. Remember without me to fill in the gaps and improve on his ideas nothing he came up with would work. Why this very ritual is beyond him. It is my genius that has made it reality, my time that was spent working on it and my sacrifices that have brought this about. I never want to hear Damek's name in my presence again."

Getting back on to the subject of the ritual Simon brought out the Ruby that they had stolen from Nuln and Nar-Zuul brought out several pieces of parchment from within his robes. This ritual was originally thought up by a necromantic genius from these parts. Indeed he could have been the next Nagash if he had chosen his allies more carefully. Frederick van Hal was the greatest mortal necromancer of his day. It was his genius that created the Corpse Carts that wander Sylvania today and could have defeated the Skaven and become the Emperor if not for circumstances working against him." Simon placed the Ruby on the table. "He was taught necromancy by Vashanesh himself and even travelled to the Lands of the Dead to gather the knowledge for himself. With that Knowledge he wrote the Liber Mortis which was basically a compendium of Nagash's superior nine books. But it was considerably easier to read." He added before continuing "Armed with this he raised an army using the corpses of the plague victims as raw materials and turned it loose on the invading Skaven saving the Empire I might add. Some of the Skaven he spared so that he could question them on Warpstone. After all no other race knows more about warpstone than the Skaven and he made some very interesting discoveries which I won't go into now save to say that they were rescued by Vashanesh after van Hal's death and given to Nar-Zuul for safe keeping." Simon pointed to the parchment held by Nar-Zuul. "The discovery that will interest you all was the means of resurrecting a Master Vampire and at the same time increase his initial powers. Whether there is a limit to this I do not know. What I do know is that to do this I needed warpstone. Lots of it! Blood from the most powerful members of the family, The Cruentus Ruby which was designed for this a little outside help of dwarven descent and the night when all magic using creatures are at their peak and I am now pleased to inform you that we have all these things right here."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl smiled faintly as Simon spoke;
No need to worry about that the thought I had thought the scum dead till Akarin told me he still existed.
However despite Simon's confidence the Baron was less sure, he almost feared the magical power Damek could weild and he begrudgingly would admit that his magic would be a considerable boost to the family's strength.
On that thought I wonder if Simon managed to get a sample of Damek's blood...no impossible. he decided silently.

As the younger von Carstein continued the Baron felt his excitment grow, soon father would be with them...and that was a moment he had been dreaming of for too long.
Suddenly a thought struck him.
"Simon how can we be sure that Vlad will rise again Nagash...I can not see father joining the Dark Lord but doesn't history claim that Vashanesh fled him once before? Father may simpily wish to allow the threat to be dealt with by someone else."

No matter what Vlad choose Karl would follow him...
_______________________________

Akarin began to grow bored of the Count's speech, he had little interest in Necromancy no matter how impressive and he merely wished the True Count to be resurrected so that he could serve him once more.
Akarin absently wondered could any of the deceased son's of Vlad be brought back, it would be nice to talk with Fritz again.
Shaking his head the Assassin forced himself to pay attention, what use was a protector if he allowed himself to daydream.

 

[Gree]

''Damek! Damek Damek! Damek! Damek!'' The Shade giggled in amusement. Mircea was starting to get annoyed at him.

''So that's his plan eh? How pathetic that he requires items to do this, Constant Drachenfels, Mannfred or V'razin could have done this...... in fact yes.... I could have done this'' the Shade mused.

''I already know of Vlad's true indentity. Many centuries ago a delegation of Lahmians visited Drakenhof. I, in my youthful curiosity listened in to the Count's conversation in his closed chambers. They spoke Old Nekherkaran. I did not understand what they said and I never brought it up before Vlad or anyone else, but it seems to confirm what was said about him'' Mircea commented.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa listened, picking up one key part of the conversation,
"Blood?" she asked, "when you say from the most powerful Carsteins, I presume you mean the oldest? Considering there are very few actual gets of Vlad still around, will the blood of third generations work?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl smiled faintly but said nothing as Lesa spoke, instead he merely held his glass out for a servant to refill.

______________________________

Akarin's lips tightened as Lesa's questioned the Count, whilst the Assassin had no dislike towards the council he also didn't feel this Lahmian was apart of the family despite Simon's assurances.
Suddenly an amusing thought hit him as he went over Lesa's question.
She has no idea about Karl.

Akarin began to smile as another thought hit him, within this room where the most powerful von Carstein's in the place where they had the greatest access to their strength.

Perhaps I can relax the assassin thought.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Third generation? I'll be using second generation blood to make sure Lesa. Not to mention my own. said Simon

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Second generation?" Lesa said, "and where did you acquire this from? I didn't see Mannfred handing any over before we was destroyed."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Lesa there are plenty of other second generation von Carsteins. Two of them walk as we speak and another gave his blood before his unfortunate demise at your hands. So even now he helps as we previously agreed." Simon remarked deep in thought.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa's eyes narrowed as she heard Simon's words,

"You have Milosh's, my husband's, blood?" she finally said, her voice full of cold anger, "has this damned war not taken enough? Now what was left of him has been scavenged from the battlefield?" For a moment she looked as if she was going to say something else, but instead she rose to her feet, and walked silently from the room.

 

[Trevy the Great]

The doors to the dining room opened softly, interrupting the vampire's discussion. Beckoned in by a skeletal butler, his grinning skull the very picture of austere service, Requaurah entered the room, surveying the assembled unliving.
"By Neferata you make it hard for a girl to find you," she exclaimed, "I've been halfway over Nuln looking for you. At least you could have told me that you planned to leave the Countess' wonderful party! My, the exit you made, though, it took some cleaning up, let me tell you. There was so much chaos, terrifying gentry... and the Countess!"
Requaurh giggled at the memory.
"The Countess was screaming, running all about, calling for her personal guards and the armies of Averland to reclaim her precious jewel for her! I doubt that she'll forget this fiasco any time soon. It wasn't all a loss, however. Frightened humans are so easy to prey on..."
The look on Simon's face stopped the Lahmian's prattle sharply.
"I'm sorry. I do assume that I'm invited, correct?"

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon watched her for a second "Incorrect!" he said looking over to the second table "Kill her!" he gestured. His grandgets leapt to their feet.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

From outside the side hallway where Lesa had walked, the Mistress's voice floated back,
"I really would not recommend that Simon. Requarah, come with me."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"Well it seems you were invited after all." said Simon stepping aside to let her pass but grabbed her arm as she attempted to come by "But not by me! Don't wander off away from Lesa." he said releasing her.

 

[Trevy the Great]

"Whatever you wish, my lord." Requarah whispered playfully to Simon, grinning seductively and following her mother out into the hall, greeting her sire respectfully.
"Well, mum, what is it?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl tapped the table watching the commotion passively, he disliked the Lahmians on principle but he couldn't deny the kinship that he almost, reluctantly, thought of with Lesa...even if he had never met this Milosh he was his brother.

"That was rather undiplomatic Simon...her husband did just die...especially if you plan on using her to assist the family." The Baron said with a faint smile.

Simon could be rather rough with people but it was the same confident energy that made him...well the current Count.

Emilie laughed viciously glaring at the retreating Lahmians.
"Stuck up whores!" spat the Baroness.

Karl slowly placed a hand over his wife's.
"Now, now my dear."

Standing Karl glanced at Simon.
"Call me when you require my presense." the Baron murmers before striding out after the Lahmians.

Glancing at his wife he frowned.
"Oh Emilie, stay with Sariah."

Passing Akarin Baron makes a quick gesture.
"Akarin, with me." Karl mutters to the Assassin.

Suppressing a sigh the Assassin slowly strode after the Baron.

 

[Gree]

As ususal Mircea was utterly unimpressed by the Lahmians and felt only his customary contempt for them. And now that Akarin and Karl had left it was now really only him Simon and his get's at the table.

''So.....are we going to eat?'' Mircea asked.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul slumped back in his chair, and sighed. He was tired of pretending to be interested in the mind-numbing prattling of Gabriel and his 'revolutionary' invention; to be honest he felt like taking the Carstein's new toy and ram it down his throat.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"You go right ahead Mircea. I've temporarily lost my appetite." said Simon "and once you've filled your belly why not send some scouts out just in case the council have followed Lesa's pet.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

As Requarah followed her mother, they both walked outside to an secluded spot. Underneath the moonlight Lesa finally answered her daughter,
"You need to be careful my child. The Carsteins are becoming.......even more self involved. I always knew their primary goal would be to suit their own interests, however I did not think they would be as rash to break up the Council during the middle of a war on Nagash. I support their plan as it could indeed assist in the war, but I fear they have gone too far. If the Council had been whole, then with Vlad it would have been even stronger. Now as it stands, it is fractured and I am not sure if even one of the masters can make up for that."

Lesa walked around the stone ruins, tracing her finger on an old symbol,
"As you can see they do not hesitate to kill one they do not consider their own, and for how long they will trust me...." she shrugged her shoulders, " well nearly all of them don't. Only Simon seems to hold them in check in regards to me, and I wonder how much of that is due to Milosh, or whether the truth is he simply wants my power. I fear the latter." Turning back to Requarah the Mistress smiled wanly,
"Your father was always much better at these situations than I. Always knew the right words. I suppose he was one of the people who held this Council together at the start. Now without him, I have made a poor substitute."

Suddenly her sense picked up another vampire approaching. She knew her words had been low enough so only her daughter had heard them, and she looked back in the direction of the hall quizzically. She was surprised to see Karl walking out, apparently looking for someone.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Seeing Lesa Karl allowed a faint pleasant smile to touch his lips, looking the part of the welcoming noble.

"Lady Cromwell, I am most glad I caught up with you." he said bowing his head slightly to both Lesa and Requarah in turn.

Glancing back he waved Akarin to step back causing the Assassin to move out of earshot. Turning back to Lesa his expression became slightly apologetic.

"I wanted to apologise for Simon's lack of...finesse...what he of course meant was that even in death Lord Cromwell will allow us to prove victorious against the encroaching evil of the Great Necromancer." he said smoothly.

Sighing he looked away for a moment before smiling back at Lesa.
"You are of course welcome in our home...you are one of the family and it suddenly strikes me...that I havn't conveyed my sympathies due to the state I was in last we meet." he said with a grimace rubbing his arms.

Suddenly looking serious he stared into Lesa's eyes.
"There is no reason to believe I am truely sorry over this...but for all of the faults of my family we do care for those of who share our dark curse...for those of our blood."

Glancing up at the Moon he smiled sadly.
"It is my greatest regret that I never truely met my brother Milosh but I still feel the pain of his loss." he said, somewhat more truthfully than he had intended.
As he spoke Karl's mind wandered imagining a union of Vlad's children...despite his distaste for most of them he wondered what it would be like to be together once more and to have added Milosh to the number.

Regret...another think we can never forget thanks to our curse. a dark voice whispered into his mind.