Bloodmoon Chapter 1
"Excuses, excuses," the armored Blood Knight looked down upon the man. The knight's cape was torn and holes littered it. Glowing red eyes were seen from under the helm. "You stole from Lord Spyte's food cart. I saw you do it myself," his voice was emotionless, almost ghastly in tone.
"But... But Sir Vlad... I have no money. I need the food for me kids..." the man shook in fear, guards holding him down. "Please sir, have mercy."
Vlad looked at the man and shook his head. "Take him away." The guards dragged the man along the dirt. He was kicking and trying to resist. Vlad removed his helmet to reveal his pale skin and silver hair. He looked as if he was in his early twenties. His eyes were indeed red, but yet they did not glow. He headed for the castle without a word, to see what his lord wants to be done.
He entered the chamber of his lord, taking a knee to the shadowy figure. "Lord Spyte."
The figure smiled, his fangs protruding from his mouth hinting his half-breed. "I told you, call me Maverick." Maverick's voice sounded very young, almost like a small boy.
Vlad looked up to his lord, "Yes Lord Maverick." He was worried that he might have offended his lord somehow.
His lord looked down at the Blood Knight with a smile, "You are late. Did something happen?" He hopped down and he looked like a blue and silver furred fox that could walk on two legs.
Vlad kept his head down as the boy approached. Maverick looked eleven years old, yet he ruled over a land. "Yes milord, there was trouble in the market with the food cart. Someone stole from it, I punished him for it."
Maverick sighed, "Now why would you go and do that? Did he have a reason to steal food from me?" Maverick placed a paw on Vlad's shoulder. "Listen Vlad.... You are new in my ranks and you must learn when it is okay to let the law go for the people. I can tell from your thoughts that he had no money to buy food, so that is why. Am I correct?"
"Aye milord," he said a bit softer in tone than usual.
"Now go and release him Vlad, give him some food and let him be on his way. You have a lot to learn from this." He turned and approached his throne once more, getting into it. "You are dismissed."
"Yes milord," he stood, clasping his hand in a fist and placing it over his heart, giving a bow. He turned and headed for the dungeons. They were murky and were in need of repair. He came to a small room with a table where a guard sat eating an apple.
He took one look at Vlad and spat out the piece he was eating and stood saluting him, "Lord Vlad! What brings you down here?" The guard was shaking under his armor. Vlad was rumored to kill guards for not saluting him. Of course they were only stories that guards tell rookies to get them all shaken up.
"The prisoner is to be released. I will do it myself." He approached the guard and grabbed the rings from the table and opened the door, entering. The man that he imprisoned was crying in his cell, Vlad did not think the man deserved a second chance. He unlocked the door and the man looked up, and then backed up to the wall, shaking. "Lord Spyte has given you a pardon. Please follow me." He turned and began to walk. The man said nothing and obeyed, slowly walking behind the knight. When they came up, Maverick was standing there with a basket of food. The man got on his knees and praised the child for pardoning him. When Maverick gave him the food his eyes lit up in joy and ran out the door.
Maverick turned to Vlad, "You see? To gain the favor of the people you must show them kindness." The boy swiveled around again, "Walk with me a while and tell me of your journey."
Vlad followed, "Well it seems the bandits that outline your lands are getting more troublesome every passing day. This cart would not have made it if I was not there. We were attacked about four different times on our way here. We must take care of them before it gets worse."
Maverick nodded and kept walking; his robes were the same coloring as his fur "Well it would help if we knew where they were. They seem to be capable of hiding from us whenever we figure out where they are. "
"Do you think there is a traitor within our midst?" Vlad looked to his lord.
"I believe so Vlad." They came to a rather large door, "Well I must retire for tonight. Good night my friend," Vlad gave a small bow to his lord as the door opened and Maverick stepped inside. Vlad walked about the castle before he headed for his quarters that were positioned near Mavericks, for he wanted to stay near in case of an emergency. He removed his armor and placed it on his dresser, nice and neat. He removed his under-leather and put on some cloth pants. He walked over to the balcony, looking up at the moon. The light from it seemed to reflect off his pale, well built, body. He gave a small sigh and walked back to his bed. He rested until the sun would rise.
***
Vlad awoke to the sun coming up and into his face. He got up and looked about for something. He shrugged and grabbed a brush and began to take care of his hair. When he thought it was situated he opened the drawer in his bedside table and pulled out a small bell.
He rang it and moments after a maid came into the room, long straight black hair and fairly young, "Yes milord?" Her voice was soft and she gave a small smile.
Vlad stood and approached her, pulling her into an embrace. He then gave a smile back and pulled her into a passionate kiss. They held it for a while before it was broken and Vlad spoke, "Hello my love." She was blushing and still smiling.
"Hello...." She wrapped her arms around his waist, "How was your trip?"
"Very tiresome, those thieves never give up. Nothing I could not handle though," he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and she giggles.
"What would you like to eat today milord?" She looked into his eyes, unafraid of his presence.
"The normal my dear, I missed your cooking." He gave a soft smile as he let her go and she turned to leave the room, "I missed you Jessica."
She turned her head and part of her body to look at him, "I missed you too Vlad." She then exited the room. Vlad did not know why being with her made him like that. He normally shows no emotion and keeps a blank face, but yet he cannot help but smile and show his emotions. He shrugged it off and lay back on his bed, giving a yawn. He knew he was not supposed to be with her for she is a maid. He loved her and that is all there is too it.
She came back in after a while with a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. He sat up and took the plate, "Thank you hun." She gave him a smile and leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. Vlad ate and after he was done, he placed the plate on his bedside table. Before he could turn around he felt a kiss to his cheek and could not help but smile. He turned and wrapped his arms around her, "Such a beauty does not deserve to be a maid."
"I know, you have told me this before, I need the coins Vlad and you know where I would be if I never took this job. Besides Lord Spyte is very kind to us, as are you. Speaking of which, did you bring me anything from the big city?" She still laid her head on his shoulder as she spoke, closing her eyes.
"Indeed I did my dear; I think you will like it." He stood, walking over to his things, pulling out a small bag. "I bought this from the elven district of the city, very well made might I add." He pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside was an elven amulet of protection, "May this protect you when I am not there to do it myself." Her eyes widened and took the box, her heart pounding now. He took the amulet out of the box and got on the bed behind her. He fastened it around her neck then moved to get a better look, "Perfect."
She looked at the pendent and it had elvish runes inscribed around it, with a shield that bore the elven leaf in the center. "It is so beautiful Vlad, thank you." She turned and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him in close. "I must be going now, I have other duties." She got up, tucking the pendent under her shirt, giving him one last kiss before leaving.
Vlad laid back on his bed and gave a satisfying sigh. After a while he got a knock on his door, "Sir Vlad! Lord Spyte wishes to see you."
His face went back to his emotionless state, the same with his voice, "I will be right out." He sat up, putting on some of his clothing, exiting his room. He went to Maverick's room and knocked.
"Enter Vlad," Maverick's voice came from inside.
Vlad opened the door, "You wished to see me milord?"
"Indeed, I may have a lead you can go on as for the man we are looking for. When I went to lie in my bed, I found a snake under my sheets. I believe the person is not part of our court, but a hired assassin. We need to take care of this person now." Maverick seemed very aggressive now, he never took assassins well. His beloved was assassinated. "I need you to gather some people for a small excursion to track down this assassin. They seem to like snakes so you might want to start in the forest nearby."
"But milord, that is the Wood Elves territory, we will be shot on sight. You know they are protective of their lands, they will have guards at the edge of the forest." Vlad knew that was a bad idea, but if Maverick gave the order he would have to do it.
"I have taken care of that, you are to take one of theirs along with you, so they know you will not do anything, I said they may chose who so please just do it for me," Maverick gave a sigh, looking to Vlad.
"Is that an order sir?" He cocked an eyebrow.
"If you want it to be, then yes it is," Maverick waved his hand, hinting that Vlad should leave. "Oh and try not to be so loud with Jessica next door." He gave a soft chuckle, Vlad froze in his tracks.
_ How did he know? I will have to be more careful._ Vlad thought to himself. "Y-Yes sir."
"Good luck Vlad Alberict," Maverick's voice was barely heard as his door closed shut.
***
Vlad entered the town in search of people to bring with him. He traveled about thinking of his possibilities. He would need a mage from the Spyte's University for Arcane Knowledge for magical support, and someone with healing capabilities.
He traveled to the University a tall tower with arcane fire for illumination instead of normal torches. He opened the rather large door and looked about. Soon a mage in a light blue robe approaches him and bows, "What gives us this honor sir knight?"
Vlad returned the bow, "I am in search of Valeena, have you seen her? The lord requests her expertise."
"Oh, of course I will fetch her at once," the mage turned and stepped onto a teleport pad and disappeared from view.
Vlad knew Veleena well as the best mage for her age. She graduated from the University at age fifteen. Her specialty is controlling the elements around her. Soon she appeared in front of Vlad in a flash of light. "Hello Vlad,"she said with a soft smile. "What is it that you request of me?"
"Hello, and I wish for you to journey with me to the elven forest for reasons I will explain in a more private location, but the Lord has requested that you come with me."
"Did he request me, or did he just say to go look for people?" She chuckles softly, her long blond hair draping down the back of her light blue robe. Her green eyes like forests of knowledge that's thirst has yet to be quenched.
"I can never hide anything from you can I?" He gives a sigh and looks back, crossing his arms. "It's not like I want to leave just as soon as I get back, but the lord has asked me to gather people for this trip and you are a likely candidate. Remember back in the Dron Mountains when I saved your life from the banshee? I think you owe me this much."
"Oh fine have it your way, I will go. You need to be cheerful more often Vlad. This mono-emotional stuff is no fun when the party starts rockin. You can get to be a real party pooper." She snaps her fingers and a pack appears on her back. "Lead the way oh fearless leader."
Vlad rolled his eyes and turned, exiting the University with Valeena in tow. Next was heading to the local church to find a suitable healer. He knocked on the door and a monk answered the door. She wore a brown robe with the hood up, "What brings you to the church of Obad-hai sir knight?"
"I seek Haldor, is he present?"
"Welcome old friend, you never stop by anymore. What gives?" A calm male voice bellows from behind the monk. Haldor was the high Cleric of the church, any decisions regarding the church was made by him. He too used to travel with Vlad and Valeena. He was about in his mid-thirties and bore green tattoos across his bald head and body in symbols of Obad-hai, the god of nature. He was well built and gave an intimidating aura to most.
"I have not had the time old friend; our lord keeps me very busy. I request you travel with me once again."
"Of course you need not ask." The rather large man stood, grabbing his large wooden shield and mace. "I could never say no to an adventure with you." That was all the help Vlad needed, his two closest allies he had.
He brought them outside the large city, into a large field to explain the situation. "Our lord was almost assassinated last night. The only clue we have is that the assassin used a poisonous snake. The serpent got away, and our lord is fine. He believes the assassin to be of elven nature, and has arranged with the elven council to allow us to make an investigation."
"What's the drawback?" Valeena asked.
"We must take one of their people with us," he looked back at the young girl.
"Wow really? They must not trust us enough," she gave a sigh, and leaned on her staff. "Who is it?"
"I don't know, but we should be careful. It could end up being the person we are looking for," Vlad looked to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We have been in worse situations."
"True, remember the time Vlad was strung up and stripped and we had to save him from that group of orcs?" Haldor busted out laughing. "I think that female orc had the hots for you!"
"Shut up," a slight agitation hinted in Vlad's voice. "Let's go we have no time to lose." Vlad guided them to the edge of Wood Elf territory. He knew that they were being watched by some unseen force.
Soon a male wood elf jumped down in front of them. He was about 5' 11" roughly with long black hair. His skin was very tan and his eyes were brown. A bow was on his shoulder, finely crafted and the wood was pearly white. "Evening, I am Tharivol I am to be your escort and house you if necessary."
"Ah good, my name is Vlad. This here is Haldor and Valeena."
"Hello," Haldor gave a nod, but Valeena just looked on with a slight blush.
"Come with me, try not to wonder off you will be killed on sight if you are spotted without me." The Wood Elf spoke perfect Common, which they were a bit surprised as Wood Elves tend to stay with their own language.
Vlad was suspicious of this shady character. The way he acted so open and inviting them into his home was a bit unsettling, but none the less he pressed on. "So Tharivol why are you the one to guide us?"
Tharivol turned with a smile, "Because I run the local Inn with my wife." Valeena soon hung her head and both Haldor and Vlad knew why. She was young and yet never had a lover of her own as she was always having her face in a book. Tharivol pushed over a bush and there was a small Wood elf town, but when they looked up into the gigantic trees they spotted a huge city built around them, almost looking as if suspended in mid-air, but at the same time built into the trees. "I run the town here on the ground, the council is up there. You three must be tired, my Inn is this way." He emerged from the bushes and everyone seemed happy to see him, waving and calling out his name. He led them to an Inn that had a sign hanging from it that said 'Moonwhisper Inn.'
Valeena lit up, "Wow! You must be the person who makes Moonwhisper wine right?"
Tharivol gave a soft chuckle, "Yes I am. I see you are a fan of it."
"Oh you have no idea!" Valeena squealed like a little girl.
"Um Valeena? Aren't you too young to drink?" Haldor piped up.
She stopped and looked at him, "What are you talking about of course I am old enough." She was clearly lying and was red again.
"Right...." Tharivol stated then opened the door, "Arana I'm home."
A soft female voice came from the back room of the small pub lobby, "Okay dear."
Tharivol looked to Valeena, "I think you will like her, she runs the bookstore nearby and loves to read."
'Great and he is into girls that love books too! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!' Valeena thought to herself. "I see."
Soon enough a woman came in from the back room of the pub. She was not a Wood Elf, but a High Elf. Her skin was a pale white, and her hair was long and blond. She wore Wood Elf clothing though with browns and forest greens. The thing that caught everyone's eye was that she was pregnant and coming along well. "Hello everyone my name is Arana."
Haldor and Vlad gave a bow while Valeena gave a small wave. Haldor was the first to speak, "Good evening ma'am."
"I thank you for allowing us to rest here while we make our investigation," Vlad said before turning to Tharivol. "We would like to get a look at the town, but we might want to get our rooms situated first."
Tharivol gave a nod, "This way please, all rooms are on us as well as food." He led them upstairs; the Inn seemed to only have six well sized rooms. "Pick a room and it is yours."
Vlad took one that was closest to the stairs as Haldor took the one across from Vlad's. Valeena took the room next to Haldor. The rooms were quite homey; the beds were well made as were the covers. A place like this would be expensive at other places. After everyone got their stuff where they wanted, everyone met back in the hallway. Haldor was out of his armor and in his monk robes; Valeena now wore a small sleeveless shirt and small shorts. Vlad, well, he wore his armor. Haldor and Vlad took one look at Valeena. Her hair was down and straightened and her small frame was now more visible than when she was wearing her robes.
Valeena looked back, confused, "What?"
Hakdor spoke first before Vlad could, "It's nothing Valeena, it's just we have not seen you wear barely any clothing."
Valeena rolled her eyes and headed downstairs, "You guys are hopeless."
Vlad cocked an eyebrow, and then shrugged. He walked downstairs and sat down at the bar. Tharivol was cleaning some mugs, "What can I get you sir knight?"
Vlad waved a hand, "I'm not much of a drinker. I try to stay away from it."
Valeena walked over next to Vlad and took a seat, "Is there something bugging you?"
"No why?"
"Well you seem a little... off," She places a hand on his shoulder.
"I assure you nothing is wrong."
Tharivol looked at Vlad, "Ah! I know that look. It has to deal with a woman doesn't it?"
Vlad was puzzled as he had no emotion showing in his face yet everyone could tell when he was down and now the elf is saying exactly what is bothering him. "Yes it does. I prefer not talking about it."
Valeena gave a small laugh, "Vlad's in love!"
She said that just as Haldor came downstairs, "Did I hear that correctly? Vlad is in love, with whom?"
"I don't know but he won't talk about it." Valeena poked his shoulder plate. "Come on Vlad, tell us at least."
"No."
Arana came into the room, one hand on her belly, "What is going on in here? Leave the poor man alone."
Soon a woman walked into the pub, she was wearing a brown hooded cloak. A bow was on her back with a quiver of arrows. A closer inspection would allow people to spot the two elven shortswords crossed between the bow and the quiver. She gave a small bow, "Arana when are you going to open the book store?"
Arana gave a sigh, "Sorry Fadorna I am just not up to opening today, but I do have that book for you. I made sure I had it." Soon a book flew into the room and stopped in front of the woman's face.
Fadorna lowered her hood, her hair was a brown and blue eyes looked at the book as she took it, "Thank you Arana, I have been looking everywhere for this book."
Haldor piped up, "Excuse me miss, you are not a ranger are you?"
"Yes I am, is there a problem with that?"
"No no, not at all. I am a high Cleric of Obed-hai, it is nice to meet a person who is in his realm most hours of the day."
"Well thank you, but I must be going. This book is not going to read itself you know." She turned and left without another word.
Valeena gave a sigh then stopped, "Waaaaait a minute." She turned to Arana, "That book was way more than five pounds; you could not have used Mage Hand."
"Very observant, I am a Psionic," Arana gave a warm smile.
"Wait that means you can read Vlad's mind and figure out who it is he loves!" Valeena was hoping she would do it.
"No I do not read people's minds without their permission. It is very rude to do so." She gave Valeena a glare.
"Sorry... just wanted to know." She shrugged.
"Is there a church here of Obed-hai?" Haldor piped up to change the subject.
"No there is not. The nearest is in your city." Tharivol replied.
"Well I'm going to go take a look around." Valeena hopped off her stool and walked out.
"Wait you cannot go alone!" Tharivol shouted out. "You must have one of us go-"
He was interrupted by Arana, "It's okay love I will walk with her." She gave his cheek a kiss then walked out with Valeena.
Vlad just shook his head and looked to Haldor. "So, where shall we start?"
"Maybe we should start tomorrow, we just got here and Valeena is checking out the town for us," He sat next to Vlad where Valeena was. "We should just relax."
"Good idea," Vlad gave a sigh. "Still, the puzzling matter that the person would use a snake for the weapon of choice."
Tharivol cocked an eyebrow, "I think I know who you are looking for."