“No, Abner is my biological brother by blood, we share the same mother, however I am more. I can turn into a wolf.” Zarazenih looked at his hand and made his white fur stand out along his arm.
Malvrok blinked. “I’m not sure if I’m hallucinating or it’s been a fucked up time since I’ve been down in that hole.”
“Both,” Abner said. “Zarazenih was trying to kill us not too long ago and he was the perfect Hunter killing machine. Like I said, I thought Barros has been dead for the past eight years, thought you’ve been dead for almost ten and within the space of however long I was down there with you.”
“Two weeks Ab,” Gunthos said.
“Thanks, Gunner.” Abner said. “Mal, I know you were good back in the day and with what we’re about to face we could use another skilled man. And I’d love someone to walk Lois down the aisle that we don’t know from the Huntrey.”
“If I can stand,” Malvrok said. “That fuck took a lot out of me. I’m glad you arrived when you did otherwise I would have been gone. I need to forget that place.” He shook his head and sniffed himself. “Can I get cleaned up or something? I reek of shit.”
“Jarral, is there anything close by that isn’t in the direction of the Lock?”
Jarral pointed over his shoulder. “Small lake that way, should be able to get cleaned up pretty well in it.”
“Alright let’s mount up,” Abner said.
The waters of the lake were refreshing and further out of sight of both the road and the Lock. They’d travelled ten minutes by horseback, with Malvrok riding on Zarazenih’s back in case he fell, having not ridden on a horse for so long. The sun was passing midday as they all strode into the lake, washing the seawater from their hair and cleansing all traces of the Lock from their skin.
Jarral pulled a spare set of pants and Hunter’s tunic from his bag that fit Malvrok tightly, and Abner could only see a slightly older version of himself. Gunthos threw Abner an oversized tunic that hug down around his waist whilst the other Hunters refilled their waterskins from the fresh water lake. He pulled it on and climbed onto the back of Lois’ horse with her, using her body to hold himself in place.
He looked to the north and thought of returning home and about Barros collecting the amulets of Tal’davin, now a concern at the front of his mind.
31
Interrogation
“Abner, my boy! Welcome back!” Crix limped out of the Huntrey to meet the returning party as they rode onto the plateau. “Fuck me, you lot went all out didn’t you? Is that Malvrok Toldar riding a Ghost?”
“Aye, Crix, you old bastard, it’s me. And if this is a Ghost then I am on it. I’d like you to meet my other nephew, Zarazenih,” Malvrok said.
With a pat from Malvrok, Zarazenih transformed, first reducing in size so Malvrok could slide off his back before changing into his human form on all fours. He ran his hand through his white hair and stood up, his bright blue eyes staring a hole into Crix.
“They tell me you’re the one that kept sending them out to hunt me and my brothers.”
“I did what I had to do to protect my family and the people of Taagras,” Crix said. “I assume since you are here and unarmed, that there is no bad blood between us.” He held out his hand towards the monstrous Zarazenih.
Zarazenih clenched his hand and smiled. He slid his claws out of his hand. “You have to remember something, Hunter. I’m always armed.”
“Forgive him, Crix,” Malvrok said. “He’s not a bad kid, just been through a lot of shit. I think we could learn a lot from him.”
“I’d like to offer my services in any way I can to the Hunters,” Zarazenih said. “I would like to atone for my past deeds and put them behind me.”
“What could we learn from you wolf?” Crix asked.
“There are magics inside me that I can’t possibly understand. I would happily give my body to your order by a means of experimentation and discovery. Then if you want me to kill more Vampires, that is an added bonus.”
“You wouldn’t be allowed inside the Huntrey for some time, and I wouldn’t recommend turning into your wolf form whilst you remain in these walls,” Crix said.
“If I could, Crix, I’d like some lodgings at the outskirts of the Huntrey. Just inside the wall, but far away from everyone,” Malvrok said. “After the Lock I’d like to be on my own for a while and slowly integrate back into society.”
“Granted,” Crix said. “We’ll see something gets started for you today. Head inside and get some food into you.”
“Crix, where is he?” Abner asked.
“Gareth? Where we left him, down in one of the cells. I take it you want to talk to him?”
“He took the amulets from me and I need to know where they are,” Abner said. “I have reason to believe he’s been alive and has been biding his time.”
“Shit, your father? Who told you?” Crix asked.
“I did,” Zarazenih said. “I fought Barros in the citadel only a matter of weeks ago.” He pointed to the scars on his chest. “These are from injuries I sustained during that fight. Only two things in this world can harm me. Your weapons or the soul of a Vampire.”
“A Dreyth weapon,” Crix said. “This is worrying. If Barros hasn’t been dead for the past eight years what has he been doing.”
“Plotting,” Zarazenih said. “He was behind the fall of West Anacore.”
Crix’s brow furrowed. “Abner, Lois, you need to talk to that piece of shit, now. Find out what he did with the amulets. I’ll inform the Board.”
The underbelly of the Huntrey was unpleasant to say the least. Abner and Lois’ first steps were ordinary enough, but once they were submerged in the darkness, the overwhelming damp smell wafted into their nostrils. Abner held the torch over his head, a spiders web came across his path. He swiped it out of his way, and the creature fell into the darkness, forgotten.
Gareth resided at the far end of the jail, in a cell big enough to fit him and not much else. Abner could smell the shit wafting from his cell and his mind was cast back to the Lock. Gareth still wore some of his Hunter’s garb, shreds of it scattered throughout the cell. He sat on the floor, his head between his legs and only looked up when Abner rapped on one of the steel bars.
“You got out,” Gareth said. “Just another tale for your growing family legacy, whilst mine remains here, locked up!”
“You did that to yourself. You should have known the Hunters would seek retribution especially if you returned here,” Abner said.
Gareth chuckled to himself. “Couldn’t be helped. I was sent here by Tal’davin. I only do what he commands me to do. In return he’ll grant me any wish I desire once you’ve fallen. It is the least I could do to honor the memory of my father.”
“Tal’davin has been dead for over a thousand years. What could an old Vampire deity possibly offer you?”
“Toldar, he will be dealing with you soon. I for one don’t envy you. He’ll gather all those you hold dear and rally them against you before someone finally takes his offer and stabs you in the back,” Gareth said. “Which is a shame, ever since he took me under his wing I wished it was me that would get the honor.”
“What are you talking about?” Abner threw himself against the bars. “You took the amulets from me, who did you give them to?”
“To him.” Gareth started to laugh. “You’ve got no chance to stand against what’s coming Abner. Soon he intends to march against all Huntries across Taagras and burn them to the ground. The Hunters will become extinct and I will rule Alilletia.”
“Where is he?”
Gareth shook his head. “After your brother attacked him, Tal’davin has gone underground. You won’t be able to find him until he reemerges.”
“My brother attacked Barros,” Abner said.
Gareth shrugged. “And? They’re one in the same. I follow the Vampire, Tal’davin. He follows the Vampire, Barros. They are two sides of the same coin, working to achieve the same ends.”
“It�
��s true,” Zarazenih said. “Our father requested he only call him by his name, rather than Tal’davin. I apologize for not telling you sooner, brother. But I was not aware that the name held any meaning. Barros was very selective as to what he educated me in when it came to the Hunters, it appears.”
“What are you doing down here? I thought Crix wouldn’t let you into the Huntrey,” Lois said.
“He thought I might be of assistance in the interrogation, but it appears you’ve already found your answers,” Zarazenih said. “I apologize that I was not able to kill him for you, Abner. When we fought there was no visible sign of any amulets, but I could feel power that he shouldn’t have had.”
“It’s alright,” she said. “We couldn’t have done much anyway.”
“Ah there she is, the beautiful Lois. You did come after all, acting like your fiancé’s lost puppy. I envy you, Abner, she is a fine woman,” Gareth said.
“You shut your mouth!” Abner said.
“It’s a shame he doesn’t pay you as much attention as he ought to, Lois. I know I would especially with what is about to happen in the near future,” Gareth said.
“Let me open the cell,” Abner said. He held out his hand for Lois to give him the key.
“Why, Ab? He can’t go free,” Lois said.
“He won’t be leaving,” Abner said. “Give it to me.”
“He’s a traitor, but he’s right you know,” Lois said. She shouldered past Abner and slid the key into the lock. “Do whatever you’re going to do.”
Abner wrenched open the cell door, almost ripping it off its hinges. He slammed it shut behind him and turned didn’t bother to check if it was locked.
“He’s mad,” Zarazenih said.
Red filled his eyes and Abner felt a Bloodrush come over him as he looked at the prone figure in the cell. He stepped forward, his boot connecting squarely with Gareth’s cheek. His fist follow and Abner grabbed Gareth by the cuff of his shirt laying him flat in the middle of the cell. His rage struck out at every part of Gareth’s body, turning his face quickly to a bloody pulp, bones snapping under the force Abner inflicted.
Gareth’s breaths turned to gasps as Abner targeted his lungs, unable to defend himself against the onslaught.
“Abner, stop! You’re killing him!” Lois said.
The Hunter finished with two more quick jabs to the side of Gareth’s face before stepping over the broken body of the Councilor. He exited the cell leaving the door hanging open and grabbed Lois by the shoulders looking her dead in the eye.
“He was right, we’ve been through a lot together. I put that ring on your finger because you mean more than anything in the world to me, I just don’t show it. Now all this business with the wolves is behind us, we can focus on the things that matter. I’ve said it once, but I’ll ask you again. Lois Behan, will you marry me?”
Lois laughed. “It’s definitely not the best place to proposition me, but yes, Abner, of course. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. But you need to go and rest, I’ll tend to Gareth to make sure he doesn’t die on us. With what he’s said I don’t think we want to face down an Alilletian army either.”
32
The Wedding
Several weeks after the interrogation the scene was set at the Tyrain Huntrey for the first wedding in many years. Tables and chairs were spread out across the plateau, enough to seat the entire population of the Huntrey. Training had been suspended for the day to prepare for the event. Hundreds of Hunters stood inside the altar, their hoods raised over their faces as a sign of respect to the soon to be wedded couple.
As darkness fell the wedding began, the orchestra striking up a solemn tune as Abner made his way down the aisle. All eyes turned to him, the walk feeling like much longer than it was. At his back he had Gunthos, Malvrok and Zarazenih, the Hunters in a two-piece suit version of their day to day attire, without a hood, Abner forgoing his hat. Zarazenih looked out of place in his suit, constricting his massive frame making him seem much smaller than usual.
The best men stood behind the groom, waiting for the inevitable arrival of the bride. The altar doors opened again and Lois began her walk to join Abner, her dress a pure white take on her regular attire, much like the men, minus the hood. The coat was also longer and effectively created a train, dragging on the ground behind her.
Tori and three other young Hunters followed behind her as her bridesmaids. They came to stop opposite the grooms party and Lois was grinning like a jackal underneath her veil. Crix stood at the altar, his hand behind his back until both parties turned to face him.
“These two Hunters come before you today, to take part in a life binding ceremony. Once bound, until the day that either one or both of them die, they will cherish, care and provide for each other. Once bound their lives are each other’s in entirety.” Crix turned to face Lois. “Lois Behan, do you take this man, Abner Toldar to be your wedded husband under oath?”
Lois nodded up at Crix and turned back to Abner. “I do.” She could feel the sweat building on his palms.
“And do you, Abner Toldar, take this woman, Lois Behan to be your wedded wife under oath?”
Abner looked up at Crix and nodded before turning back to Lois. “I do. For everyday that I live.”
“Excellent,” Crix said. He bent under the altar and retrieved a silver chalice and a knife. “Each of you fill this chalice with enough blood to prove your willingness to join in this matrimony together.”
Abner took the knife first and looked up at Lois who held her hand out. The knife parted her skin with ease, blood pounding from the wound into the chalice. Abner then raised his own hand over the chalice and cut across his hand, dripping blood into the silverware to blend with Lois’.
Lois took the chalice and drunk first, no more than a mouthful, but more than was necessary. She passed the cup to Abner who finished their blood off and put the chalice down. The gathered Hunters began to clap and celebrate as the two shared their moment together. A loud bang sounded from outside and red filled the sky. Another followed a second later, this time green was sent flying in every direction.
“What are you waiting for? Get out of here and celebrate!” Crix said.
More fireworks continued to fill the night sky, sending a display of all different colours scattering up to the stars. The Hunters spilled out onto the plateau, food from the kitchens now making their way to the tables that lined the plateau. A large section of grass had been left aside as a dance floor for anyone that wished to dance the night away.
Abner and Lois along with their respective groomsmen and bridesmaids sat along the head table at the top of the plateau, surveying the entirety of the three course meal provided by the Huntrey kitchens. The main course consisted of everything from roasted lamb through to pork including a shank that Zarazenih ripped in half.
“Almost tastes as good as it does raw,” he said.
Fireworks continued to sporadically fly overhead, although none came as so close to bother the Hunters. Rookies once they had finished their meals, chased the children of the Huntrey around, guards stationed on the cliff faces warding any would be trouble makers away from danger.
One by one Hunters from all across the Huntrey began to make their way to main table to offer gifts to the bride and groom. Crix brought forth a gift from the Huntrey, a massive hunting bow crafted from the finest wood, a quiver of arrows that looked more lethal than any of the crossbow bolts. Other gifts ranged from silverware to riding equipment and soon a small pile of gifts became a mountain.
Abner offered his hand to Lois who had just finished draining her fifth ale. “Do you care for a dance?”
“Of course.” She said. “I might be too tipsy for that though. Catch me if I fall.”
“If we fall we fall together,” Abner said.
They walked to the clear space in front of the gathered orchestra and waited for them to pick up a tune. A solemn and yet unrecognizable tune graced their ears that slowly developed into a waltz. The newl
yweds held each other in each other’s arms, Lois resting her head on Abner’s shoulder. They danced to the beat, other Hunter couples joining them as they circled around the field into the late houses of the night.
The last of the fireworks had long since exploded and no ale or wine remained in anyone’s cup. Gunthos stood up at the main table, hand in hand with Tori after hours of dancing. For a man of his sized he had moved quiet gracefully considering how drunk he was.
“Oy, listen up everyone!” The Hunters all turned their attention to him. “So we’ve just witnessed the best fucking wedding I’ve ever been to. But how about we get to some fucking aye?”
“I believe the term is consummate the marriage,” Gunner,” Abner said. He put his unfinished drink down on the table. “But we’ll have it your way.”
The Hunters gathered around the main table and lifted both Abner and Lois off their feet, splitting into two parties. They walked into the Huntrey to the room that had been left aside for the two. Abner’s boots were stripped from his feet, clawed at by the drunk Hunters that carried him. They tried to derobe him, but he battered their hands away.
Lois’ group reached the room first, setting her down gently, still fully clothed. She crossed the room, and pulled the covers back to reveal the white silk sheets afterwards.
“We going to put on a show?” Abner asked.
He could hear the Hunters gathered outside the bedroom doors. They tried to be quiet but their voices travelled straight through the cracks.
“It’s like you hardly know me at all, my love,” Lois said. She began to undress herself.
“No,” Abner placed his hand over hers. “Tradition states that I have to be the one to do it. Let’s just do this one thing right.”
“We’ve done nothing else by the book, why start now?” Lois asked.
The Toldar Series Box Set Page 58
