Published: 30 Nov 2020

Death Unbound

The morning was hot and uncomfortable, Caius had stopped his search for Jemeld and set his sights on the city of Juniper, a larger city with thriving commerce and a great fighting force. Caius figured with Jemerd dead and by Bram’s hand, all he could do was prepare himself for the day when his debt was due.

As he climbed out of bed, Caius realized it was going to be another hot day. That wouldn’t be a problem. All he had to do was raise his body temperature and the heat would be no problem. Naked, Caius headed for his private shower. As he threw the switch to turn thing on, steaming hot water poured out from the carved fairy head decoration. To Caius, it was cool as spring water. Having these elemental powers was very useful. He never had to worry about the weather. To him, it was always springtime.

He turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. As he shook the water out of his hair steam rose off his body as the water evaporated. Dry, he made his way back to his bedroom suite. He entered his bedroom, Paymer, his butler came in with his breakfast tray. Caius turned down his temperature, grabbed his robe and sat down to eat.

Paymer uncovered the breakfast plate to reveal eggs, a slice of Dera and two pieces of flatbread. Caius had missed dinner last night, so he was hungry. While he ate, he listened to the reports from last night. Paymer told him about an attack by Orcs. They raided one of the outer villages. Three warriors had been killed, but the Orcs limped off with nothing. His guards had done a good job. Caius would have to find a way to reward them.

The next report was about a missing princess. An Elven princess. One of the daughters of Kayvan Calauth, the king of Calauth. It seems his daughter Phyrra ran off with the captain of a ship that set sail for a port somewhere in Riventen. Kayvan had hoped that Caius had a ship fast enough to catch them before they were too far into their voyage. Of course, Caius could fly out and catch them, but this was an Elven problem. He wasn’t going to stick his nose in it.

The last report was the one Caius took interest in. It seems there was a report about a wild wizard that used light magic. That had to be one of Bram’s rings. That might be trouble for Caius. Sooner or later, Bram would find out about this light magic. Then he would come looking for the ring. Caius would have to either go find the ring or find somewhere else to hide.

“Exactly where was this wizard?”

In the deep south shore of Myrani, Niro, Hoddie, and Sima stood at the dock waiting for the ferry to come in. They were on a mission to find a very powerful ring. The ring of death. After a long nap, Quyyn told them the ring was inhuman city Takari. Hoddie wasn’t sure what Quyyn was saying. He had no idea where the ring was when he went to sleep, but he knew exactly where it was when he woke up. If he was to believe Quyyn, Jax told him where it was. Jax, the god of justice and celebration. That was hard to believe, but they were fighting a wizard that escaped from the Underworld’. Weirder things have happened. And both Niro and Hoddie were proof of that.

Quyyn told them to head south, to the furthest point in Myrani. There will be a ferry that will take you across the Bay of Malmor, the home of Dakhom Malmor. The legends of Dakhom Mamor say he was one of the evilest warlocks to ever walk the face of Keanna. Two hundred years ago, Dakhom Malmor led a campaign to overthrow the king of Starbright, the chief city of Taggitia as it was back then. From Castle Dakhom, he sent out raiding parties all over Taggitia searching for something that would give him the upper hand when he had to battle the dragons. While his men searched every cave and swamp, Dakhom searched old torn down buildings in Myrani. First, he searched for an old abandoned village called Danzig. Once it was pretty full, there were thousands of people here, including a marketplace with three blacksmiths and four or five weapons shops. Two specialized in weapons that were enchanted. Goods shops like Authur Ash who had three more shops in the north.

“Danzig used to be popular,” Ranjer said as he picked up a waterskin filled with Klah and poured a cup. “There were many temples in Danzig, Temples sworn to Rimnar, Aramis, Jax, Alea, and Alee. But there was a problem with Alea. Her temple was ignored for a whole season and she wasn’t very happy about it at all. For a few turns, her priest tried making sacrifices to her, but she wasn’t happy. And if the goddess of the night is not happy, then dark things went wild each night.

Alee, her brother, and the god of the day, tried his best to get her out of her dark mood. But neither he, nor her husband, the god of the Underworld, could brighten her mood. Each night, as she took her ride across the night sky, Alea stared down at Danzig. The city was plagued by vampires and werewolves. They would attack anyone found out on the streets or hiding in the forest, day or night. There was no safe place to hide in Danzig. And that was how Danzig became a city of darkness.”

“And this is all because of the Ring of Death?” Quyyn said. “Alea never got the ring back?

“Well,” Ranjer explained. “This all happened when Alea cursed Murte and made her the first vampire. Back then. Murte thought she was the Queen of the night. She had a palace in Danzig, and one in Yadessa. After a while Murte was defeated and banished to the Underworld and most people forgot about Danzig. Valkar just remembered when I asked about the ring.

But there’s something else you need to know. The Ring of Death isn’t the only prize in Danzig. The Ring of Life is in there too.”

“I get the feeling that you still have something you want to say.” Sky said. “What is it? Don’t leave us here riding in suspense.”

Ranjer poured himself a cup of Klah and added milk and sugar. He stirred it for a moment then took a small sip. As he swallowed the hot beverage, he went on with his story.

“In the palace of darkness, there is a very old Vampire.” He said. “His name is Argent Ash. Argent has been there since Murte abandoned the city. He fought off many attackers. Humans trying to rid the world of his Vampiric threat. Other Vampires who thought they were powerful enough to defeat him. Wars; Werewolves, Demons, Orcs, Witches, and Warlocks. He fought them all and he always triumphed. The only thing that can defeat his ring, is the ring of life. I suggest we send in a small force. Rowan and I can’t go. Argent would feel our magic as soon as we cross the border.”

“I used the darkness to fight the darkness.” Sky said excitedly.”’We send Hoddie and Niro in. Hoddie goes in invisible and Niro goes in disguised as a vampire.”

“A vampire?” Ranjer said. “Won’t Argent sniff him out immediately?”

“I know a spell that can make him cold and pale.” Sky said. “He’ll look like a vampire. No one will know unless he bleeds. No fighting unless it’s absolutely necessary. But you can take Sima in as your familiar. Just make sure she stays with you at all times.

“You think this is gonna work?” Quyyn asked.

“If they stay together it will.” Sky guaranteed its success. But Niro knew there was no guarantee that could promise they would make it back. Vampires are smart and very dangerous. They all knew that, and some of them have the scars to prove it.

“How do we get in?” Hoddie asked. “Are we supposed to just walk in? He’ll spot us before we get through the gate.”

“Not if you have this.” Ranjer held up an invitation to Argent’s dark ball.

“He has the ball once every hundred sun turns. It’ll be the next turn.”

“Your father still attends the ball?” Quyyn asked.

“No,” Ranjer said. “But the invitations keep coming. Father sends someone to go in his name That’s how you’re going to get in. Keep your eyes open and you mouth closed. See if he’s getting ready for battle. You’re both open to hearing thoughts. Watch what you think, it could blow your cover. Keep your shields up. Don’t drop them for any reason.”

“When do we leave?” Niro asked. He shivered as the idea of going to a land of vampires. Prafa and Yadessa were different. No one in Vampire lands would dare to bite. Not when they think of the consequences.

“You leave in two moons,” Ranger said. “Cutter will fly you south. Once you show the invitation to the ferryman, we’ll know if your cover works.”

“How will we know?” Rowyn asked.

“Easy,” Ranjer said. “The ferryman is a vampire. If he doesn’t attack you, you’ll be in.”

“Well that’s a relief,” Niro said. “I thought this was going to be hard.

”There will be enough hard times.” Hoddie said. “Don’t look for trouble, you might find it.”

Early the next morning, Cutter came down the stairs of Rage’s manor. He met Azeal as he was heading for his rendezvous. Azeal stopped him with a tik.

“Aiya,” He said, “Where are you going so early?”

“I’m not really sure,” Cutter said. “But I’ll tell you when I get back.”

“Shayn and I will be off to the Academy,” Azeal said. “It’ll be for our first classes.”

“Good fortune,” Cutter said. “We will be praying for your success.”

Cutter thanked Azeal and hurried out of the manor. The morning was cool. All that was heeded was a light jacket. Cutter left the manor grounds and headed into the city.

The sweet smell of the danishes baking in the bakery, filled the morning air. Cutter passed a baker and smiled at the three kids pressing their face into the baker’s window. For a tik, Cutter thought to wait for the baker to be open, but never mind. Niro and Hoddie would be waiting. He made a left at the first blacksmith than a right at the sign shop and he was standing outside of the gate that marked the end of New Keanna’s marketplace. Cutter pulled his hood up and snuggled in his warm long coat, as he walked on through the homes of those that lived in the city. A man passed by and nodded good morning to Cutter. It wasn’t every day you saw a dragon just walking in the lower city.

As Cutter reached the back gate of New Keanna, Hoddie stepped out of the gatekeeper’s cabin and waved. He had his rusty armor on. It was enchanted and as warm as the dragon’s coat. His leggings and boots looked just as ragged as his long coat and cloak. Cutter knew Hoddie’s appearance made him look shabby, but his armor and weapons were above their looks.

“Good morning Cutter,” Hoddie had his usual scowl on. For a goblin, Hoddie was unusually handsome. Normal goblins bragged about the scars and bumps on their face and head. But he had a bold look. He almost looked like a normal human, through Niro would never say that to his face.

As he waited, Niro came out of the tent in his full vampire guise and looked up at Cutter. With a sneer, he spooked the dragon for a second until he recognized him..

“Niro?” Cutter said, “‘Is that you?”

“Yes,” He answered as he sneered at the dragon. “What do you think of my disguise?”

“A little scary,” Cutter answered as he stepped closer to look deeper at him. Niro was dressed all in black. His armor pieces and chainmail were a shining black. He had a grey scarf hiding his mouth as he spoke. The chainmail covered his entire torso except for his arms which were covered in his grey gauntlets. You could hear his hammer and his razor-sharp gloves as they rested on his side. Below his waist, he wore grey leather and knee high grey boots.

Niro stepped out and turned around to let Cutter see what he was wearing.

His pale skin looked almost completely white next to the dark things he was wearing. His white hair blew back to fan out on his head.

“Yes,” Cutter smiled. “Very convincing. I’ll be close enough to put an aura of fear around you. That should help. Just remember to guard your thoughts. Someone will always be trying to get into your mind.”

As Niro looked back at his horse, Akhrua, his black fur wilted away to make him all white. Niro knew Rowyn didn’t put a spell on the horse and neither had Myor.

“You seem different today.” He said as he ran his hand down Akhrua’s neck. “Soon, I think we should have a talk, you and I.”

Neighing heavily, Akhrua shook his head. To Niro, it looked like the horse agreed. But it would have to wait, he had more important things to think about.

As they talked, Cutter heard the sound of water being moved. It had to be the ferry coming in to get them.

“Hoddie,” Cutter said. “Put the cloak on. Something is coming.”

Hoddie grabbed his pack and pulled his cloak out. As he looked up, he saw what looked like a boat moving slowly towards them. In a quick movement, he twirled the cloak over his head and he vanished.”

“I hope this works.”

Cutter closed his eyes to concentrate and disappeared in the fog of the river.

“Looks like it’s just you and me,” Niro said to Akhrua. “Be careful.”

[Yes.] said a voice, ringing in Niro’s head.1

As the boat pulled in, Niro looked out to see a dark figure entirely in a grey coak pull into the dock.

In his head, he heard the ferryman call out to Niro for his fare. Niro pulled an old Sorrowdown gold coin from his pocket and put it in the ferryman’s outstretched hand. With a nod, the ferryman stuffed it in his pocket.

[Beware of the water.] He said. [There are dangerous things there.]

As the boat moved out into the river, Niro saw haunting things from his past flash by. He saw his father die and the fall of Sorrowdown. He saw himself being cuffed and chained to the wall in the Grimmer private dungeon. He almost screamed as Grimmer rammed his staff into his ass. Then the tortures began. Niro had to look away.. His body knew what had happened. He didn’t need a reminder of the pain. Niro looked away, he looked up into the sky and saw something different. He saw scenes of Sorrowdown in happier times. He saw men working on the wall as they laughed and jeered at each other. He saw ladies at the river talking and laughing as the day went by. He saw children playing as soldiers and warriors in mock battles. He saw men and women making love on the quiet nights, then he saw himself studying for his final which never happened. Then, he was alone. The show was over and the ferryman with his glowing eyes spoke to him.

[Be Careful,] He said. [I have seen things in your heart that remind me of my days long past. Days I would like to see again. I warn you. Keep those thoughts buried deep down in your heart. Think only of conquest and hunger. Always keep the hunger in your heart.]

As Cutter looked back, there was a young man standing there smiling at him.

“Be strong and safe.” He said. “Don’t let the hunger drive you to drink a drop of blood.”

“Thank you,” Cutter said as the ferry pulled away and the fog covered him and turned into his cloak of shadows.

As Niro walked away from the docks, there was a great palace standing dark and somber in front of him.

As he stood there looking at the gate, something inside him clicked and a wall of fear fell down on him. Suddenly he was scared to go anywhere near Castle Argent.

Up on one of the castle’s turrets, Cutter looked down on Niro. He could feel the fear sweeping down over him. He knew how brave Nirro was, but to do this he would need a bit of help. And there was only one person who could provide that help.

[Baron Azeal, come and be his anchor.]

As Niro stepped back, an icy hand reached out to grasp his arm. Niro jumped as a voice whispered in his ear.

[I am Baron Azeal Zelinka.] The voice said in his head. [I have been called up to be your anchor here. You must listen to me and do what I say. Do you agree?]

[I agree.] Niro said as he prayed he wouldn’t be called to do anything against his will.

As Niro stepped forward, Baron Azeal stepped out of the afterlife and into reality He took a deep breath and howled.

“It’s been so long that I can do that.” The Baron said. As they stood there Phantoms dead and alive came down to pass the palace guards to enter the palace. The Baron pulled Niro to the side,

“Are you sure you’re strong enough to do this?” The Baron asked.

“You know my secret,” Niro said. “But I hear you’re a good man. Will you help me?”

The Baron looked at him for some answers, but all Niro did was stare sadly at him with blue eyes.

“Your eyes tell your secret.” The Baron said. “You should fix that.”

Niro pulled his veil down to cover his eyes, then moved back into character.

[I am not to be played with] Niro said with an icy cold voice that could render a man helpless. [Will you help me?]

These words slithered through the Baron’s mind like a deadly dagger.”

Now Niro’s eyes were ash grey. The Baron had no idea how much he had changed, but to him, he seemed all vampire. His smell, his color, and his voice. He hoped his appetite hadn’t changed.

As they stood outside the gate, bats and grey mist were flowing in from all directions. From outside the gate, wolves came running in, to jump over the gate. Upon the balcony, a dark figure stood watching. Niro and the Baron could feel his presence from the front gate.

“Before we go in.” The Baron said. “Let me give you your instructions. First, do not touch anyone with your bare hands. And there will be beautiful women here so no kissing. The tok you touch vampire flesh, they will know your secret, then I can’t help you. Then, no one can help you. So no handshakes, no kissing, no hugs. I’ll introduce you as Lobos, the Plague. That way no one will want to touch you. Otherwise, keep your face covered and your gloves on. If someone offers you a slave to bite, tell them you only eat alone. I will make an illusion that will cover your face to scare everyone. Only then can you reveal your face.”

After hearing the instructions, Niro knew these Vampires were nothing like the vampires in Yadessa. For the first time, Niro felt fear.

“Stop!” The Baron said. “Your emotions could be your downfall. You can’t be scared, they will smell it all over you.”

[I will keep his emotions in check] Cutter said in his mind. [You three just find the rings. We may need them to get out of here.]

The night was dark. There wasn’t a cloud in sight as Niro and Azeal made their way into Argent castle. The sound of howling echoed throughout the castle. As the Baron and Niro climbed the steps to enter Argent castle, the doors creaked open, making a loud sound. Just as Niro was about to move into Argent castle, a pale man dressed in the somber clothes of a butler stepped out blocking Niro’s way.

[Excuse me,] Niro sent using his chilled vampire voice. [You are in my way.]

“Pardon Sir,” The butler said with half a grin. “I am here to take you to my master.”

Niro and the Baron looked at each other, then turned to the butler.

“Lead on,” Baron Azeal gestured with his hand.

As the Butler started off through the palace, he introduced himself.

“My name is Jett Zull,” He said. “I have been instructed to be your guide while you are here with us. I am to provide you with anything you need. And that includes slaves to quench your hunger.”

“We will need privacy with our meals,” Azeal said. “Will that be possible?”

“Of course.” Jett said.”I will be escorting you to your private quarters after your audience with the master.”

Ignoring any questions they might have, Jett turned and headed forward on his way to find his master. Azeal looked at him with offense. He reached out with an open fist and crumpled in the air. Jett screamed out as he crumpled to the ground from the pressure of Azeal’s spell.

“Now,” He said as he turned the vampire around. “You will treat us with the respect we are due, or I will smash you right here like the bug you are. You understand?”

“Yes, Master.” Jett struggled to get air. His hands gripped at his neck.

Azeal stared at him with an evil glare, then he dropped him to the floor.

“It’s all in the way you talk to these people. You have to show them who you are, then they will treat you with respect.”

Niro stood there staring with a stone look on his face. He lifted his hand bringing Jett to his feet.

“You may continue now,” Azeal said.

“Yes, masters,” Jett struggled to say as he staggered on. “These are the lower servants quarters. Any servants you have with you will be housed here.”

Jett stopped with wide eyes expecting another stab of pain.

“If that is alright with you.”

[We need no servants.] Niro sent. [Get on with it.]

“Of course master.” Jett said.

‘The kitchen is here and the linens are cleaned and ironed down here. If there is anything you need you can just summon me and I will take care of it.”

As they arrived at the bottom of a staircase, Azeal moved a finger lifting them and floating them up the stairs.

“These are the guest quarters,” Jett said. “They have been cleaned and prepared for you. If there is anything not to your liking, tell me and I will find something better.”

As he stood there, two other lords were being escorted to their quarters. One was tall dressed in red pants, a furling red coat with a white shirt underneath. The other wore a dark cloak with a hood. Together, Niro and Azeal bowed to pay respects. The tall one seemed like a human lord. His nose was up in the air. He had that smug look like he was one of the aristocrats. But it was what he wore on his hands that interested Azeal and Niro. Out of ten fingers, he had eight rings on. After seeing that, Azeal turned and walked down the hall to face the two vampires.

“Aiya,” Azeal said with his hand raised in greeting. “I bid you welcome, I am Baron Azeal Zelinka. This is my brother, Niro.”

“Aiya.” The hooded one said. “I am Yaoko Kane, the Doomslayer and this is Mordo Shade of Norrix of the south. Where are you from strangers?”

“Northeast,” Azeal said. “A place called Taggitia.”

“I have heard of this place Taggitia,” Yaoko said. “And I have heard of you, Azeal Zelinka. You were the first one made by the Queen. But I thought you were dead.”

“Death is just a beginning,” Azeal said. “We felt the calling. Why are we here.”

“To pay homage to the master of death of course,” Yaoko waved what looked like a very frail hand passed Azeal. “Ash thinks he is stronger than we are. Usually, he looks at all of us for a challenge. I don’t remember you or your brother ever attending one of these events so he might be looking at you.”

[Bah!] Niro sent. [We don’t have time for petty games. I have work to do. Come Brother.]

“You can’t leave,” Yaoko said. “Ash has a charm set around the island. Once you’re here, no one leaves until Ash undoes the spell. We are all trapped.”

“This had better be worth my time or Ash Argent will feel my wraith,” Azeal swore.

As Niro and Azeal talked with Yaoko, Hoddie slipped away to check out Argent Island. The hall was long and very sparsely decorated. The walls were all painted crimson with black woodwork. As Hoddie reached the first door, he stopped and put his ear to the door. He didn’t hear anything so he turned the knob and stepped in. It was a bedroom painted in the same colors. The room had a king-size bed and a tall and a shorter set of dressers. The was a desk with a tapestry with scenes from a war long ago.

As Hoddie rifled through the desk, he heard a movement coming from behind him. Quickly he stepped away and stood by the wall with the tapestry. As he stood there, a woman in white came in and went to the desk. She was tall and slender with hands that Hoddie thought, could work the most delicate of spells.

Being here, Hoddie knew she was a vampire. But she couldn’t be anything like Ash. She had to be more like Valkar and Azeal, living on the blood of cattle instead of humans. When he got closer to look in her white eyes, Hoddie saw the innocence from her soul. He knew she never could hurt a soul. Her hair was white, but not from age and there wasn’t a wrinkle anywhere on her pretty face. Her face was pale and perfectly shaped. Her lips looked pale but somehow they were moist. At first, Hoddie thought she was blind, then she pulled out a rolled-up piece of parchment and started to read.

Curious, Hoddie stepped to the side and gave her room to move around. He wondered what her name was. It should be something like Willow or Crystal.

[It’s Cheyna.]

[Yeah,] He thought. “Something pretty like -? You hear me?]

[Yes I can hear you,] She said. [what are you doing, how did you get in here?]

[One question at a time.]

“Who are you?} he asked.

[My name is Jahod. ] He sent. [My friends call me Hoddie. Now I have a question.]

[What is it?] She asked, her voice sounding like a melody.

[If you can hear me, can the other?]

“No my white knight.” She said with a smile. “I know what you came for. I can give you the ring of life but the other ring won’t be so easy to get. You’ll have to win it from Ash.”

“I thought you’d say that,” Hoddie said. “Any more good news?”

“I can tell you that Ash won’t be easy to beat,” Cheyna said. “And your Dragon can’t fight him. It has been my pleasure to meet you, now you better go.”

As she waved her hand at Hoddie. His vision went blurry and suddenly he had the feeling he had moved. That’s when he looked into Azeal’s eyes.

“I got good news and bad news. Which one do you want?”

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