Regulatory Soldiers who patrolled the nearby Sunless Peaks, it was winter now and the cold
had created a chill in the air that could freeze the tip of ones nose and break a few fingers but
Zurgad didn’t feel the cold, in fact he breathed in the cold air whereas Darius wrapped his
cloak around him tightly conjuring a small flame to keep himself warm while they drudged
through the snow “Fuck me dead, why is it so bloody cold here” said Darius, it wasn’t a
question, Darius was two foot deep in the snow but Zurgad was walking on the surface of it
like he was just drifting along it “It is the dead of winter in the Sunless Peaks, this darkness
will continue for another six months so by the time we reach Haldrith in one month we will
be quite warm or you will be since this doesn’t affect me like you” Zurgad chuckled “Utter
wanker” remarked Darius huffing about while Zurgad just laughed but as the mood seemed to
lighten there were several voices from around them and several Sunless Soldiers wearing
pure white robes lined with fur armed with spears “Halt! Where doth thou regard thou are
going dreg?” the man said “What?” was all Darius said as he was really confused “Where
doth thou regard are going dreg?” the man said again, Darius scrunched his brow when
Zurgad interjected “No where important no aroint thee thou inferior creature” his eyes flared
red but before they moved off he appeared behind one of them and tore off his hood and sank
his teeth into his neck, the man went limp and Zurgad smiled and let out a breath of relief “I
have not had a drink for awhile and you lot are looking really taste” his eyes flared again and
they bolted “Was that really necessary?” Darius asked “Anti Magic spears, would do a
number on you quite a bit so I did what I thought was the quickest method… of course I was
peckish” Zurgad smiled, the blood around his mouth vanished “The hell is a dreg?” Darius
asked “I believe he was using it in a derogatory manner, lowest of the low kind of thing, what
an odd word to say, why not call you scum or something to that effect” even Zurgad was
confused as Scum was quite a normal word “And the way they speak, I don’t speak Old
Tongue so I am glad you know it” Darius said “The Sunless Peaks and by extension The
Kingdom of the Sun only use Old Tongue they speak no other dialect” Zurgad hated speaking
the Old Tongue but since they were here he had to get the so called rust off his speech.
They journeyed further into the dark cold oppressive feeling night when they heard what
sounded like marching bones. Zurgad saw them and dove down pushing Darius into the
snow, when he was about the question what the hell he thought he was doing he just pushed a
finger to his mouth to signal quiet and he pointed in the distance, he saw hulking giants made
of flesh and bone, Zurgad whispered to Darius “Slight oversight on my part my friend”
Darius turned his head and craned it sideways “Slight?” Zurgad then said “Kingdom of the
Twilight Court has a castle nearby, damn I thought maybe we could have bypassed them but
shit” the creatures were patrolling the region in a pattern that would outlie a border nearing a
castle or towns “It is in that direction, we may have to diverge our path a little bit towards the
Twilight Court” said Zurgad now standing “Why are we doing this?” Darius asked “I’m the
lord of the Sanguine Court, it would be a social and political faux pas if I did not announce
myself since the Twilight Court holds more power over the Three Great Courts, The
Kingdom of the Twilight Court, Kingdom of the Sanguine Court and the Kingdom of the
Harbingers of Dawn, out of those the Twilight Court has the most power and influence”
Zurgad stood up and dusted the snow off his equipment “Ho there!” he shouted, the hulking
monsters turned and looked at him while Darius almost buried his head in the snow, they
lumbered up “Choose… Your… Fate” it said to Zurgad “Lilith, I come to present myself in
your presence” Zurgad said, there was a voice on the air “Do bring yourself to the castle, and
the little one hiding his head in the snow” the hulking creature motioned its arm to allow
Zurgad and Darius towards the castle which seemed to appear shifting in the mist.
The castle was eerie to say the least, even Darius felt off in this place. “Why does this place
feel so damn off?” Darius said while pulling his cloak around him again “It is how Lilith
presents her kingdom, The Kingdom of the Twilight Court has very few vampires left but
those would be a challenge for even Virtus if they bothered to fight” claimed Zurgad while
adjusting his equipment for presentational purposes “Why don’t they?” Darius asked as it had
to asked “They don’t concern themselves with how the world turns much like the Doll Maker
they care even less than he does as they have existed long before most of the races came out
of the primordial muck, so they stayed in the background just consolidating until such a time
where the mortal races almost annihilate themselves before they step in and control them
again” said Zurgad while Darius noticed several eyes on them “Yes, we are being watched,
well you are” Zurgad chuckled, Darius didn’t want to irk their ire and cause issues with
Zurgad. They entered the castle and it was dimly lit, on the walls were draperies emblazoned
with a crescent moon motif, this seemed to permeate every single drapery and door until they
reached a pair of large iron double doors, they creaked open and even the great hall they
entered was dimly lit when there was a female voice from within the dark “Well well well,
Zurgad’sol comes before me to prostrate himself in front of the Queen of the Twilight Court,
when you bow make sure your head touches the floor, I so love when my lesser rulers bow
before their queen” she laughed but Zurgad wasn’t amused “Come now sister, that is no way
to treat your brother” said Zurgad, Darius caught himself before he could snigger “Thought
I’d give it a try, come forward brother and present yourself in my court, and do the proper
introductions if you please, the King of the Harbingers of Dawn are here for a general
meeting before our conclave” she said, Zurgad nodded and stepped forward “I am Zurgad’sol
Tir Sanguinus, King of the Sanguine Court, I present mine self to the Queen of the Twilight
Court in accordance with the concord between our kingdoms and courts I am your humble
servant. My companion is Darius Wolf, former Court Mage to Emperor Virtus” he finished,
there was movement and heel steps on marbled steps as she walked into view, her hair was
the first thing Darius noticed, it was red like fire, her body was athletic and lithe her eyes
betrayed what she was but she had grace in her steps and everything about her scream veteran
warrior of many conflicts as she strode up to Darius “This is the vessel for the dragon? Odd I
don’t feel it within him” she turned to Zurgad “I see what you did, a Blood Forged Seal
interesting, I see you have kept up with father’s teachings, no wonder he appointed you king”
she framed Darius’ face and gazed into his eyes, she saw the monster within “You bring a
monster into my domain brother?” she asked narrowing her eyes at Zurgad “Well to be honest
we really had no choice since you are here, speaking of that why in the blue hell are you
here? Did your translocation device malfunction or did you set the wrong coordinates?” he
asked “No, the device malfunctioned. A Mire Storm was in the area when we passed
through” a mire storm was a myriad of several elements combined to smash an area with
bolts of energy. It is more akin to a Manifestation Maelstrom which was used during the last
Manifestation War but a Mire Storm is the lesser version still dangerous however. “So that’s
why you are in the Sunless Peaks” Zurgad said while tapping his chin “And to my question,
why is a vampire of your high standing in this godless realm? Not out for some pleasure stroll
I’m sure” Lilith said now illuminating the great hall with a wave of her hand “No actually, we
are heading towards the Kingdom of the Sun” he said “Turmoil and some strange happenings
in the past few days there, some hybrid abomination has been spotted in the
Sunless-Upon-Sun Plains where the dark and light meet, it was said he had what looked like
lightning rods attached to him and some demeanor of anger, rage and sadness about him”
Lilith sat crossing her legs and placing her hand under her chin “Rigel” said Darius looking at
Zurgad “You’re sure?” he asked “Something about it seems odd, did he have any weapons on
him?” Darius looked at Lilith but even though he was speaking out of turn she let it pass
“Some form of daggers I believe, my spies don’t get close enough to give a proper look over,
friend of yours then?” she asked now sitting up “Long time ago, decided betrayal was more
worth it than loyalty, probably should have killed him to be honest but we all make mistakes I
guess” Darius shrugged. He didn’t feel guilt over Rigel’s new life in fact he just wanted to put
him out of his misery. “So tell me monster” as she looked at Darius “Why should I let you
leave my kingdom unscathed considering how much blood permeates from your entire being,
you have killed, tortured, maimed and mutilated hundreds of people in your short time in this
world, a being like you that had a fractured mind now whole and stinks of ancient dragon,
explain why I should let you leave alive” she was not eager to let him leave at all, Darius
however didn’t care what she thought however “Nobody asked you to do anything and
besides what makes you think you can even touch me vampire? I have magics that could put
you back into whatever hole you decided to crawl out of. Look I really don’t care what you
think of me alright? I’ve heard worse from even worse people and believe me my lady you
don’t compare do the atrocities I had to commit in Virtus’ name, so climb back on your little
horse of judgement and get fucked, Zurgad I’m leaving, whatever this bimbo had to say I’ve
heard enough, I’m going to collect Haldrith and this fucking undead will not stop me” he did
care what people perceived him as, monster or healer it was two sides of the same coin for
him “You dare turn your back to me? I am the Queen here and you will obey!” Lilith had a
thing for obedience even Zurgad cringed at her words, Darius stopped and turned his eyes
now burning with fury “Excuse me? I have given you the respect your title deserves but do
not attempt to command me at anything! I do not curtail to you” his power flared causing
cracks and ruptures in the floor “You are lucky wench that I do not fucking turn this castle of
yours into ash” there was a hushed silence, a pin could drop “I should eat you” said Lilith
with venom in her voice. Dark red flames appeared in Darius’ hand as he spoke “If you want
it, come and take it” there was a booming voice from the back “DAUGHTER YOU WILL
DESIST YOUR HOSTILITIES!” even Darius snuffed the flame, Zurgad dropped to his knees
with his face facing the floor, a regal looking gentleman wearing a black and white tuxedo
with a tailcoat, top hat and a cane, his slicked back grey hair and intimidating glare would
denote this was a king of some sort but even Lilith dropped to her knees while Darius stood
there, the cane clacked on the ground and the sound eerily echoed “Get off my throne
daughter” Lilith stood at the base of the dais as this man sat on the throne “You there” he
looked at Darius “I will overlook the aggressive tone you took with my daughter, as for you
Lilith, you do not treat your brother’s guests in that fashion” he raised his hand and struck
Lilith with the back his hand, the power he put behind it made Darius pucker “Zurgad, I’m
glad you upheld protocol, but explain why you bring this abomination into my domain and
not even present that bauble as a gift? My son you must be losing yourself, bring me that
bauble at once” the man said but Zurgad did not move “I gave you an order my son, do you
wish to see this servant broken and shattered before you? I suggest you do as I ask” he said
again “Forgive me father, I cannot do that” a sudden jolt of speed and the man was at Darius
“Give me the stone human” he grabbed him by the throat “I shall now choke the life from
you” he began to squeeze, Darius eyes flared and the man’s arm caught fire as he dropped
Darius. Darius balled his fist and smashed the man in the face several times sending the old
vampire reeling back “YOU DARE SMITE ME WITH FIRE! I’LL HAVE YOUR HEAD” as he
began to move in Zurgad stepped in between Darius and his father “Enough Father! You
make a mockery of my friend and of my kingdom, he is a guest of the Sanguine Court and I
will have you uphold the sanctity of the laws our grandfather placed down, unless you want
me to awaken him and have you prostrating yourself in front of our founding ancestor”
Zurgad was no coward he just liked to follow protocol, the flames made the old vampire’s
arms lame but he began to heal quickly “This stone is mine, it stays with me and even
someone as old as you cannot have this” Darius was calm, he withdrew the stone and threw it
to the old vampire, as soon as it landed in his palm there was a hellish scream from him as
something forced him to the ground and began to burn through his hand, he dropped it and it
rolled back to Darius, he picked up the stone and saw the old vampire writing in agony “You
can’t have what was never yours vampire” there was a sudden change in his voice “Thou
whom hath desecrated mine sleep, I amerce thou with the burning flame within thy palm,
pray next time I thrust thou into oblivion” his eyes were of a dragons, Zurgad thought his seal
was broken but it seemed the dragon had slipped some of its essence into Darius in case
someone tried to take the stone “You, dare!” was all the old vampire could muster with the
flame burning his hand asunder
sounded like marching bones. Zurgad saw them and dove down pushing Darius into the
snow, when he was about the question what the hell he thought he was doing he just pushed a
finger to his mouth to signal quiet and he pointed in the distance, he saw hulking giants made
of flesh and bone, Zurgad whispered to Darius “Slight oversight on my part my friend”
Darius turned his head and craned it sideways “Slight?” Zurgad then said “Kingdom of the
Twilight Court has a castle nearby, damn I thought maybe we could have bypassed them but
shit” the creatures were patrolling the region in a pattern that would outlie a border nearing a
castle or towns “It is in that direction, we may have to diverge our path a little bit towards the
Twilight Court” said Zurgad now standing “Why are we doing this?” Darius asked “I’m the
lord of the Sanguine Court, it would be a social and political faux pas if I did not announce
myself since the Twilight Court holds more power over the Three Great Courts, The
Kingdom of the Twilight Court, Kingdom of the Sanguine Court and the Kingdom of the
Harbingers of Dawn, out of those the Twilight Court has the most power and influence”
Zurgad stood up and dusted the snow off his equipment “Ho there!” he shouted, the hulking
monsters turned and looked at him while Darius almost buried his head in the snow, they
lumbered up “Choose… Your… Fate” it said to Zurgad “Lilith, I come to present myself in
your presence” Zurgad said, there was a voice on the air “Do bring yourself to the castle, and
the little one hiding his head in the snow” the hulking creature motioned its arm to allow
Zurgad and Darius towards the castle which seemed to appear shifting in the mist.
The castle was eerie to say the least, even Darius felt off in this place. “Why does this place
feel so damn off?” Darius said while pulling his cloak around him again “It is how Lilith
presents her kingdom, The Kingdom of the Twilight Court has very few vampires left but
those would be a challenge for even Virtus if they bothered to fight” claimed Zurgad while
adjusting his equipment for presentational purposes “Why don’t they?” Darius asked as it had
to asked “They don’t concern themselves with how the world turns much like the Doll Maker
they care even less than he does as they have existed long before most of the races came out
of the primordial muck, so they stayed in the background just consolidating until such a time
where the mortal races almost annihilate themselves before they step in and control them
again” said Zurgad while Darius noticed several eyes on them “Yes, we are being watched,
well you are” Zurgad chuckled, Darius didn’t want to irk their ire and cause issues with
Zurgad. They entered the castle and it was dimly lit, on the walls were draperies emblazoned
with a crescent moon motif, this seemed to permeate every single drapery and door until they
reached a pair of large iron double doors, they creaked open and even the great hall they
entered was dimly lit when there was a female voice from within the dark “Well well well,
Zurgad’sol comes before me to prostrate himself in front of the Queen of the Twilight Court,
when you bow make sure your head touches the floor, I so love when my lesser rulers bow
before their queen” she laughed but Zurgad wasn’t amused “Come now sister, that is no way
to treat your brother” said Zurgad, Darius caught himself before he could snigger “Thought
I’d give it a try, come forward brother and present yourself in my court, and do the proper
introductions if you please, the King of the Harbingers of Dawn are here for a general
meeting before our conclave” she said, Zurgad nodded and stepped forward “I am Zurgad’sol
Tir Sanguinus, King of the Sanguine Court, I present mine self to the Queen of the Twilight
Court in accordance with the concord between our kingdoms and courts I am your humble
servant. My companion is Darius Wolf, former Court Mage to Emperor Virtus” he finished,
there was movement and heel steps on marbled steps as she walked into view, her hair was
the first thing Darius noticed, it was red like fire, her body was athletic and lithe her eyes
betrayed what she was but she had grace in her steps and everything about her scream veteran
warrior of many conflicts as she strode up to Darius “This is the vessel for the dragon? Odd I
don’t feel it within him” she turned to Zurgad “I see what you did, a Blood Forged Seal
interesting, I see you have kept up with father’s teachings, no wonder he appointed you king”
she framed Darius’ face and gazed into his eyes, she saw the monster within “You bring a
monster into my domain brother?” she asked narrowing her eyes at Zurgad “Well to be honest
we really had no choice since you are here, speaking of that why in the blue hell are you
here? Did your translocation device malfunction or did you set the wrong coordinates?” he
asked “No, the device malfunctioned. A Mire Storm was in the area when we passed
through” a mire storm was a myriad of several elements combined to smash an area with
bolts of energy. It is more akin to a Manifestation Maelstrom which was used during the last
Manifestation War but a Mire Storm is the lesser version still dangerous however. “So that’s
why you are in the Sunless Peaks” Zurgad said while tapping his chin “And to my question,
why is a vampire of your high standing in this godless realm? Not out for some pleasure stroll
I’m sure” Lilith said now illuminating the great hall with a wave of her hand “No actually, we
are heading towards the Kingdom of the Sun” he said “Turmoil and some strange happenings
in the past few days there, some hybrid abomination has been spotted in the
Sunless-Upon-Sun Plains where the dark and light meet, it was said he had what looked like
lightning rods attached to him and some demeanor of anger, rage and sadness about him”
Lilith sat crossing her legs and placing her hand under her chin “Rigel” said Darius looking at
Zurgad “You’re sure?” he asked “Something about it seems odd, did he have any weapons on
him?” Darius looked at Lilith but even though he was speaking out of turn she let it pass
“Some form of daggers I believe, my spies don’t get close enough to give a proper look over,
friend of yours then?” she asked now sitting up “Long time ago, decided betrayal was more
worth it than loyalty, probably should have killed him to be honest but we all make mistakes I
guess” Darius shrugged. He didn’t feel guilt over Rigel’s new life in fact he just wanted to put
him out of his misery. “So tell me monster” as she looked at Darius “Why should I let you
leave my kingdom unscathed considering how much blood permeates from your entire being,
you have killed, tortured, maimed and mutilated hundreds of people in your short time in this
world, a being like you that had a fractured mind now whole and stinks of ancient dragon,
explain why I should let you leave alive” she was not eager to let him leave at all, Darius
however didn’t care what she thought however “Nobody asked you to do anything and
besides what makes you think you can even touch me vampire? I have magics that could put
you back into whatever hole you decided to crawl out of. Look I really don’t care what you
think of me alright? I’ve heard worse from even worse people and believe me my lady you
don’t compare do the atrocities I had to commit in Virtus’ name, so climb back on your little
horse of judgement and get fucked, Zurgad I’m leaving, whatever this bimbo had to say I’ve
heard enough, I’m going to collect Haldrith and this fucking undead will not stop me” he did
care what people perceived him as, monster or healer it was two sides of the same coin for
him “You dare turn your back to me? I am the Queen here and you will obey!” Lilith had a
thing for obedience even Zurgad cringed at her words, Darius stopped and turned his eyes
now burning with fury “Excuse me? I have given you the respect your title deserves but do
not attempt to command me at anything! I do not curtail to you” his power flared causing
cracks and ruptures in the floor “You are lucky wench that I do not fucking turn this castle of
yours into ash” there was a hushed silence, a pin could drop “I should eat you” said Lilith
with venom in her voice. Dark red flames appeared in Darius’ hand as he spoke “If you want
it, come and take it” there was a booming voice from the back “DAUGHTER YOU WILL
DESIST YOUR HOSTILITIES!” even Darius snuffed the flame, Zurgad dropped to his knees
with his face facing the floor, a regal looking gentleman wearing a black and white tuxedo
with a tailcoat, top hat and a cane, his slicked back grey hair and intimidating glare would
denote this was a king of some sort but even Lilith dropped to her knees while Darius stood
there, the cane clacked on the ground and the sound eerily echoed “Get off my throne
daughter” Lilith stood at the base of the dais as this man sat on the throne “You there” he
looked at Darius “I will overlook the aggressive tone you took with my daughter, as for you
Lilith, you do not treat your brother’s guests in that fashion” he raised his hand and struck
Lilith with the back his hand, the power he put behind it made Darius pucker “Zurgad, I’m
glad you upheld protocol, but explain why you bring this abomination into my domain and
not even present that bauble as a gift? My son you must be losing yourself, bring me that
bauble at once” the man said but Zurgad did not move “I gave you an order my son, do you
wish to see this servant broken and shattered before you? I suggest you do as I ask” he said
again “Forgive me father, I cannot do that” a sudden jolt of speed and the man was at Darius
“Give me the stone human” he grabbed him by the throat “I shall now choke the life from
you” he began to squeeze, Darius eyes flared and the man’s arm caught fire as he dropped
Darius. Darius balled his fist and smashed the man in the face several times sending the old
vampire reeling back “YOU DARE SMITE ME WITH FIRE! I’LL HAVE YOUR HEAD” as he
began to move in Zurgad stepped in between Darius and his father “Enough Father! You
make a mockery of my friend and of my kingdom, he is a guest of the Sanguine Court and I
will have you uphold the sanctity of the laws our grandfather placed down, unless you want
me to awaken him and have you prostrating yourself in front of our founding ancestor”
Zurgad was no coward he just liked to follow protocol, the flames made the old vampire’s
arms lame but he began to heal quickly “This stone is mine, it stays with me and even
someone as old as you cannot have this” Darius was calm, he withdrew the stone and threw it
to the old vampire, as soon as it landed in his palm there was a hellish scream from him as
something forced him to the ground and began to burn through his hand, he dropped it and it
rolled back to Darius, he picked up the stone and saw the old vampire writing in agony “You
can’t have what was never yours vampire” there was a sudden change in his voice “Thou
whom hath desecrated mine sleep, I amerce thou with the burning flame within thy palm,
pray next time I thrust thou into oblivion” his eyes were of a dragons, Zurgad thought his seal
was broken but it seemed the dragon had slipped some of its essence into Darius in case
someone tried to take the stone “You, dare!” was all the old vampire could muster with the
flame burning his hand asunder
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