Lesa stared at the Blood Dragon who had just walked in before replying,
"Firstly, until decided otherwise these forces are under my control as agreed by the Council. Secondly if there is to be any decision as to who controls the Blood Dragons that will be between your master and myself, not one of his underlings."
Without another word she walked out of the room, leaving behind the empty shell that remained of the Duke. In silence the vampires walked, finally exiting the massive keep to be face awesome sight of the Blood Dragons arranged for battle. It was like a sea of crimson, so many were the vampires that covered the area before Drakenhof, and it was clear that perhaps every Blood Dragon on the world had gathered for what possibly would be the battle to end all battles.
With a click of her fingers Lesa summoned shard of shadowy magic from the ground, using the twisting darkness to propel herself upwards to better address the army before her. She could plainly see distaste at the use of magic from many of them, but she didn't care. They knew as well as she did now was not the time for squabbles, and until the upcoming fight was over they would do as she commanded.
"Blood Dragons!" her voice rang our clearly, louder than was seemingly possible. As she spoke again there was a slight echo that hinted towards magical enhancement, "the one that was chosen to lead you, the Red Duke, is dead." She paused for a moment for any response, but true to their martial training they remained silent, waiting to see what was said next. It was only because she looked for it that Lesa saw some the Duke's followers tense up.
"He was defeated in one on one combat, in an honourable duel between warriors. Thus the victor has claimed the Duke's title and his estate which is rightfully his according to your codes. So I ask you all, will you follow the one that defeated the Duke? Will you follow Vekarin Banespike?"
There was a moment of silence as some of the Blood Dragons glanced at one another. Finally one of the vampires turned to Vekarin, going down on one knee and shouting an oath of fealty. More and more followed suit and a relieved look came over Lesa's face as she realised that the Council's forces would still remain in tact.
"STOP!"
A shout full of rage and anger echoed over the field as some one ran from the castle. As they drew closer Lesa recognised Aubervillier, an incensed look on his face.
Auberviller ran towards the assembled vampires, rage burning in his heart. Many hours before he had gone looking for his lord and father, only to be lost in the maze that was Drakenhof. The damnable place truly made it difficult for any that were not Carstein to navigate and finally he had been drawn to the clashing of blades. He had exited into what appeared to be a balcony, although there were only slits in the stone wall to the area below. There he has witnessed the unspeakable, there he had seen the death of the Duke. Not an honourable death, duelling to the end, but the despicable cowardice of magic used against him by Vekarin.
His first thought had to be to shout and rage but his training took over. He would only alert Vekarin who perhaps would not wait around for anyone else to arrive. Aubervillier had raced off, trying to find a way to downstairs but again he had been foiled by Drakenhof. He had only heard what was happening outside when he had stopped a servant for directions.
Almost skidding to a halt near Vekarin, Aubervillier whipped out his sword.
"TRAITOR!!" he roared, "you do not deserve to lead us, you only deserve death! I saw you! I saw you use..magic" The last word was spat out, Aubervillier fighting to restrain himself from what would no doubt be a one sided fight, "you did not defeat my father honourably, you blasted him with some filthy arcane spell!"
There was a light thud as Lesa landed back on the ground, moving quickly to place herself between the two warriors. She could see many of the Blood Dragons moving closer, some looking on in anger, some in confusion, some in disbelief. The situation was getting more and more tense by the moment and it needed to be resolved fast.
"Vekarin?" Lesa asked, mentally preparing a spell in case things went bad, "is this true?"
