He felt his eyes roll back in his head and his legs became weak. For a second, Abner saw red inside his head before his eyes returned to normal; however, he could now see more than before. Outlines of other people, shades from a past time appeared with the rest of the gathered Hunters.
“How are you feeling?” Barros asked.
“Horrible,” Abner said. He held his head trying to make sense of what he was seeing.
There was a throbbing pain inside his mouth. The red was all but gone, yet the pain persisted, getting worse by the second as if something was growing inside him. Abner ran his tongue over where the pain was coming from. His canines sprouted out at a rapid rate, pushing the teeth behind them back. His eyes flashed red again, but this time he lost control.
“Abner, stay with me! Who are you?” Barros asked. Abner growled and looked at Barros his eyes full of hunger. “He’s gone! Take him down!”
Hearing the words, Abner broke free of Yornal, tearing at the grip the Hunter had on him. Shaking it off, Abner was now faced with Barros, who lashed out with a vicious open fist. Abner snarled avoiding the blow, his hunger growing by the second. Another Hunter jumped onto his back applying a sleeper hold. The possessed Abner threw the man off before standing and having a sword pommel smack into his forehead. His world changed from red to black in an instant.
With his head still pounding, Abner regained consciousness finding himself in the infirmary once again. Pamela stood over his bed as did a concerned Rowan and Lois with Barros somewhere behind them in the distance. Rowan’s face held more than just concern, a slither of excitement and fear hidden behind his eyes.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I’m fine now, but my head is still pounding. What happened?” Abner asked.
“You don’t remember going mental after you drank the blood? Nothing about growing fangs or attacking us?”
“Well if someone beat me over the head with a pommel my head seems to recall it,” Abner said. “But no, just a flash of red and that was it. What did I do to deserve waking up in here?”
“Well, from what Barros tells me, you didn’t do anything. It’s to do with your heritage. You’ve got Vampire blood in you. Don’t stress, you’re not a complete Vampire otherwise you wouldn’t have been able to get inside the Huntrey.” Rowan made sure to stress the last point.
“What do you mean, Vampire blood? But how? It’s not making any sense!”
“Your parents, boy don’t be so daft,” Barros said. “One of them was a Vampire, simple as that. How hard is it to understand? The reason why you haven’t shown any sign of so far is because I instructed Malvrok not to let you drink any blood in case something like this happened. Hard to do you in your profession, but I’m glad this is the first time its happened.”
“Aye, that makes two of us. Yes you broke Yornal’s nose, but had you gone off like this outside the Huntrey with nobody to restrain you what damage you could have caused would have been much greater. As Hunters it’s our job to limit and contain what damage Vampires and their related activities can cause,” Rowan said.
“So if I’m half-Vampire, , what can I do?” Abner asked.
“We don’t know.” Barros shook his head. “You’ll have to try things out for yourself, test your abilities, push yourself further than before. Being what you are I would assume you have some sort of immortality.”
“There’s one thing I have to ask you, Abner,” Rowan said. “Are you with us?”
“Does being half-Vampire make me evil?”
“You’ll have to make that decision for yourself,” Barros said. “You were raised by humans and trained by humans. You age normally, but you are extraordinary. The choice if given to me is simple. Kill every Vampire I find. If that is your path my money is on, you’ll lead more successful hunts in a couple of years than most will see in their lifetimes. Fight for us.”
“I will give my soul, my life and my blood if need be to this order,” Abner said.
“Good! That’s the spirit!” Rowan cheered slapping Abner on the shoulder. “You’re already better than half the Hunters here. If only we had ten more like you and knew your abilities. We’d have the Vampires running scared!”
“They don’t fear me, or Lois,” Abner said.
“No, any Vampire that’s come near us has wanted our throat,” Lois said.
“They don’t know what you’ve become yet. Your name hasn’t even been spoken outside these walls,” Barros said. “When you begin to kill, rumors will begin to circulate about you and your legend will grow. I’ve decided on just the target for you to start doing so.”
“You’ve already done that?” Rowan turned his head slightly looking at Barros, confused.
“Aye, the target is a Countess who I’ve found in Rhorn. Her name is Sophia and I failed to kill her sixteen years ago. It’s up to you two to rectify my mistake and end her life. When you return here you’ll have accomplished something I could not and be greatly rewarded in the process.”
Rowan went to open his mouth but remained silent.
“Are you coming with us, Barros?” Lois asked.
“I’ll take you to Rhorn. We leave at first light tomorrow. Be ready.”
At first light Abner was awoken by Pamela who checked over him one last time before giving him a fresh uniform. He changed and sprinted down to the mess hall, scrapping a quick breakfast before heading to the stables. Lois and the others were waiting for him already. Mirabel and Azurus were packed and ready to go. He hadn’t seen his own horse in weeks since the transformation.
“Are you ready?” Rowan asked, leading Nagor out of the stable.
Nagor stood a hand taller than he had previously done. Abner was pleased and shocked with the results of what the Hunter’s meddling had achieved. The muscles in his legs were more profound and his entire body was broader. It was as if he’d been trained, run into the ground every day as a human would change their body.
“Wow, I never expected him to look like this. He’s amazing.”
“Thank you, I’m rather proud with what’s happened to him in the past few weeks,” Rowan said. “I think I went a bit too strong on the Vampire blood in the formula so that’s why he’s got the red eyes, but they should fade with time.”
“He’s perfect,” Abner said.
“Just take it easy when you’re first out there,” Rowan said. “He’s going to be a lot faster than you’re used to. That goes for both of you. And lastly, remember that this Vampire you’re going after is one of the few worse than the Lotu if they were bound to their ways. She will attempt to manipulate you and the only way you can succeed is by not falling prey to her lies. If all goes well I will see you soon. Good luck.”
27
Return To Rhorn
Dusk was setting in around Rhorn a week later as the Hunters came into sight of the great city. They had taken the long way, passing through uninhabited areas of the Highlands as the war for control of the Pass had still not been resolved sixteen years on. Even though the fighting had continued to wage on, Rhorn still was yet to come under threat.
Their journey had been faster than expected, Nagor and Mirabel keeping up with the pace that Barros had set. From their vantage point in the foothills of the Rhorn Mountains, the Hunters could see the watchtowers and citadel that stood high above the walls. Fires were beginning to light up the city as darkness encroached upon it.
“How do you like it here, my young Hunters?” Barros asked. “Is this the first big city you’ve seen?”
“I’ve seen Arcanis on the Islands but this is definitely better,” Abner said.
“Conser is also beautiful, Abner,” Lois said. “We need to go there someday. The Tyrainians have hand crafted it from the ground up. It’s simply stunning.”
“Yes we have to,” Abner said gazing back into her eyes.
“Alright, enough of the chit chat, you’ve got a job to do and it needs to be done tonight. No exceptions. I expect us to be leaving here tomorrow mor
ning. You make the kill you get out, no fucking around,” Barros said. “Set up a camp for us here.”
Abner and Lois went to work while Barros stormed around taking note of their work. Five minutes later the tents were pitched, all three horses secured, and a fire was well on the way with an abundance of firewood all around them.
Barros nodded his satisfaction at their effort. “You’re off to a good start but this is where it begins to get harder. Full marks so far.”
“What’s next?” Lois asked.
“You and Abner are going to head into Rhorn. It’s a big place and easy to get lost in. Trust me on that. From the intelligence I’ve received the Countess will be in the northern districts and you should find an old run-down church. If she’s not in there, you better start seeking. Both of you. Just remember what I’ve drilled into your heads. Do not trust her under any circumstances. Clear?”
“Crystal clear,” Lois said.
“Good, now if you ever have any doubts about why you are fighting look up at the sky and ask yourself. Is this what the monsters would fight for or was this world and everything about it created for man? Now go!”
The Rhorn nightlife was alive and well as the Hunters reached the main gate to the north. Two watchmen met them just outside the city, flanked by a dozen of their peers on the wall above. Both men carried a pike on the ground while on the wall each man was armed with either a crossbow or spear.
“Halt, who goes there and what business do you have in Rhorn at this hour of the evening?” The Captain was cleared marked by his ensign on his shoulder. His eyes lingered over the horses and the strange uniforms.
“Abner, son of none and Lois Behan. We are traders from West Anacore. There is a meeting we have to attend to and our contact told us our rendezvous is located in a rundown church somewhere within the northern districts. Lois and I would both appreciate it if one of your men could possibly lead us there,” Abner said.
“You insult my intelligence!” the Captain said with a note of anger in his voice. “You honestly expect me to believe that you’re traders? You’re far too young to begin with, your wares are nowhere to be seen and your clothes are nothing like I have ever seen before. Not to mention that your horses have red eyes and are larger than any I’ve seen. If you’re anything you two are Hunters.” He noted their hesitation. “Yeah I know about you lot, my brother went to join you once upon a time. What do you want within my city walls?”
“We had no intention to do so, Captain. We merely wished to conceal our true identity if it was possible,” Lois said trying to calm the man before things got messy. “We have a meeting with an operative in your city regarding the war we are fighting. It has to be completed under the cover of darkness as we intend to leave before dawn is upon us.”
“Is that all you’re here for?” the Captain asked. “I’m proud to serve my country and help in any way I can to help bring a close to another war. I get nervous every time I hear reports from the Pass. Now you if you go to your meeting do I have your word that you will be gone by sunrise?”
“Yes, Captain, of course,” Abner said.
“Good, and if my men find any bodies over the coming hours we will blame you. As for the guide you requested I have just the man. Private Ross here will escort you to where you need to go. Leave your horses here and collect them on your way back. If Ross doesn’t come back in one piece, I’ll have your heads.”
“Yeah, good luck with that,” Lois said.
Private Ross stood forward, a young man only a few years older than the Hunters. He was plain looking with a small beard growing on his face. Ross had his hair cut close to his head and had a hawk-like nose.
The three travelled quickly through the city’s deadly quiet streets, not stopped by any of the patrolling guards now that Ross was with the Hunters. They came to a stop outside the church, surrounded by dead grass over a foot high. The church itself had several broken windows with part of the roof torn off by an unknown force. Ross stood in the field, not daring to go further.
“This is as far as I will go,” the watchman said.
“What, are you scared?” Lois asked.
“He is.” Abner laughed. His voice was just as shaky. “What don’t look at me, I’m not.”
“Doesn’t sound like it,” Lois said. “We’ve got a job to do so you better get over the fear real fast, Ab.”
“I’d just like to point out that nobody has been in there for the past fifteen years and come out alive. If your man is in there, he’s probably dead,” Ross said.
“Well I suppose there’s only one way to find out.” Abner drew his sword, the blade a dull red. A Vampire was near. “Only one way in. Let’s go.”
“What about me?” Ross asked.
“Go back to your post, don’t wait for us. There’ll be nothing you can do even if we get attacked by whatever is in there,” Abner said.
“Hey.” Lois nudged him. “We can’t go in there blind. Remember what happened before we had the gift of sight?”
“Oh of course,” Abner said. “Do you have any spare blood?”
She drew a vial of the Vampire blood and her ritual dagger. Before Lois cut her hand, she handed the small glass container to Abner from which he took a sniff. In the past week Barros had shown him how to control what could only be described as a Bloodrush. On the smallest amount of blood, Abner would become possessed however with his teacher, the young Hunter was finally beginning to control his power.
He narrowed his vision and felt the beast inside of him build up before feeling his vision shift, the red outlines around objects becoming brighter before it was as if he stood basked in sunlight. Although his body underwent no physical change with the fangs this time, Abner felt stronger and faster, easily ready to take on the Countess.
“Ready to go?” Lois asked.
Abner looked over at her and saw the red in her eyes. He nodded, and she slid her crossbow from her back, raising it to eye level stepping into the church. Abner was right beside her, both Hunters checking for any trace of Sophia. She had been here, claw marks running along the stones that held the church together, wooden chairs ripped to shreds by something that wasn’t human.
It was clear the Vampire had been busy in her years of solitude and wouldn’t be far. Abner could see the very faint outlines of her movement over the years, and most of them moved into a large chamber straight ahead.
“She’s in here,” Abner said.
“You first?” Lois asked.
“Watch my back.”
The Hunters pushed deeper into the church, their footsteps echoing off the hollow walls. This church was filled with numerous side chambers, Lois checking each before they moved on to ensure the Vampire wouldn’t suddenly appear behind them.
They entered the main chamber, a room more than a hundred meters long, to find a hooded figure waiting for them on a large pulpit chair. The claw marks on the chair’s arms suggested whoever was under the hood was a Vampire, casually resting its head on an arm. Dressed in a once elaborate blue robe that were now nothing more than shredded blue rags, the Vampire’s state reflected that of the church.
Abner saw a curl of dusty blonde hair drop from underneath a hood and upon closer inspection long wicked claws sprouting from a normal human hand. Sophia didn’t rise from her seat nor take any notice of the approaching Hunters, merely preferring to stare at the floor.
Lois raised the crossbow, compensating for any drop the bolts would face traveling across the long room. She squeezed the trigger twice sending two bolts flying towards the Countess. The Vampire didn’t react until the last second, snatching both arrows out of the air with one hand as if they were nothing.
It hissed at the Hunters, now standing to take the next volley from Lois. With a flick of her wrist, Sophia deflected the next bolts with the previous she had caught. With a nod from Lois, Abner ran forward, his sword behind him preparing for a deceptive strike. Lois continued to fire over his head, the Vampire swatting each bolt away as if
they were nothing.
Abner began to feel a sense of dread and despair as each of Lois’ bolts continued to hardly faze the Vampire. His feeling was one that he would die alone, with Lois by his side and they would in turn fail their mission and Barros. The Hunter was their only hope now as Abner now reached the Vampire, engaging it in hand to hand combat.
He swung his sword with everything he could muster in an upwards motion, aiming to cleave the Countess from her gut up to her chin. The Countess jumped backwards as Abner stepped forwards sweeping the blade around into a side stroke. She caught the blade between her hands, the Dreyth not reacting with her dead skin. Abner looked in surprise at his weapon allowing Sophia to twist the weapon, sending Abner flying off to the side.
He crumpled against the wall Lois kept firing at the Vampire. Abner shook his head, refocusing his energy to unleash the monster that was within him. It would be difficult with Lois in the room but it needed to be done.
Remembering what Barros had put him through, Abner rose and felt his fangs begin to slide through his gums, out into the open air. He could smell Lois’ fragrant scent and the foul stench that resonated from Sophia. The Countess ripped the crossbow from Lois’ arms and now pushed her backwards. Her body slumped across the tiles, barely moving.
“It has been a long time since I had Hunters visit me here,” Sophia said. Her voice was as cool and cold as ice. “You two must have done well with the Lotu to be coming after me on your first hunt. This is your first hunt is it not? You two are so young and reckless.” The Hunters remained motionless, afraid that their next move would be there last. Sophia held the power in the room even though she was unarmed. “You two would make a very nice meal. Maybe even enough to satisfy me for years with what Vampire blood flows through your veins. The last Hunters that visited me here kept me fed for an extremely long time while I attempted to recover from my wounds. Judging by your uniforms you must be from West Anacore. Am I right, children?”
The Toldar Series Box Set Page 38
