I nodded and Alice beamed, ''Now you have a real chance at freeing them. These Arians take prophecies too seriously. I have no idea how you are going to kill the Emperor. You can't even defeat me'', she snorted.
''Thanks for boosting my confidence'', I said sarcastically, pulling at her hair.
''Ouch, let go!''.
Lucy's plan turned out to be locking me in a dungeon cell. Alice was grinning at me from the passage.
''This is better than I thought'', she smirked.
''Shut up!''.
The bars were made of steel, impregnated with sunstone particles. According to Lucy, these cells were originally built to hold vampires.
''You have to trust me on this Scarlett'', said Lucy. She was standing outside with Lucas and Alice. Julian arrived a moment later, carrying a couple of waterskins.
Lucy nodded at him, before turning to me, ''Scarlett, give me your wrist. The one with the sunstone''.
I held out my hand through the bars. Lucy unclasped the bracelet and backed away.
''Get back!'', she warned the others.
I felt a strange sensation, and suddenly, my head exploded in pain. I screamed in agony, collapsing on the floor. Something was happening to me. Slowly, I started losing consciousness.
I could feel the darkness closing in on me, pinning me to the ground. My throat was dry and my lungs were on fire.
Suddenly, I saw a light flare into existence. I could feel the warmth wafting from it. I could smell its sweet scent.
I struggled to my feet and started towards it, but something was blocking my way. I pushed, but it wouldn't budge. I stepped back and crashed into it with all the force I could muster, and it shook. A little more force and it would break.
''Scarlett!''
I faintly heard someone calling my name.
''SCARLETT! ''
Suddenly, I was jarred back into reality, and I saw everything around me clearly. More clearly than usual. I could even make out the tiny motes of dust in the air, and the indents in the bars, which were bent out of shape.
I saw Alice, Lucas and Julian, standing outside the cell, staring at me in horror.
''Impossible!'', gasped Lucas. ''They had been made with sunstone''.
''It must be because she is half human, maybe the sunstone doesn't affect her as much'', said Lucy, uncertainly.
''Are you alright, Scar?'', asked Alice. She looked worried.
I nodded. I was able to hear their heartbeats. I could even hear the voices from the upper levels of the citadel.
Suddenly, I felt the thirst again and my throat burst into flames. I went mad with blood lust. I could smell the scent of the blood flowing through their veins.
But there were these bars blocking me. I stepped back and crashed into them again. It hurt a little, but it was nothing compared to the thirst.
''I'm thirsty'', I groaned.
''Julian!'', shouted Lucy, looking nervously at the bent bars. ''The blood!''.
Julian slipped in something from the gap at the bottom of the bars. I could smell the scent of blood. It was a waterskin.
I grabbed it and removed the cork. I started drinking, and the infernal thirst started to subside. I tossed the empty waterskin aside and licked my lips.
''Are you sure that you are alright'', asked Alice again.
''I am now. It was the thirst. I cannot control it. I think it is better if I stay in here for a while, at least till I learn to control the blood lust''.
''Hey, do not worry, I will keep you company till you get better'', said Alice.
''I guess I will have to keep an eye on you, so that you wont escape and suck Alice dry till there is nothing but a pile of bones left'', said Lucy, winking at Alice.
''Thanks for the detailed description'', said Alice, sarcastically.
''I won't'', I promised, smiling in amusement. My head was still hurting, and my throat was starting to itch.
''Julian, I think I might be needing more blood'', I said.
He nodded and went upstairs. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes, trying to distract myself from the thirst.
I had to control the yearning for blood. I had to be strong. I had to keep getting stronger, till I was powerful enough to rescue my parents.
This was nothing compared to what they were going through. I would get them back no matter what, I promised myself.
''Hey Scar!'', called Alice. ''Remove the eye patch''.
''Why?'', I asked.
''Just do it. I have a hunch''.
I removed the patch and gasped in surprise. I could see though my left eye.
''It's healed'', I exclaimed, beaming at Alice.
''Yeah'', she smiled.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
10. The Vampire Hunter
The courtyard rang with the sound of clanging metal as we sparred. Julian and Alice were pressing on me, swinging their swords as fast as they could.
Sweat trickled down their necks as they tried to disarm me, but I was quick. I ducked, as Julian's sword swung over me and pulled him to the ground, before I jumped back on my feet.
Alice rushed towards me and thrust her sword at my breastplate, but I ducked and struck her knuckles with the flat of my blade. She cursed as the blade fell from her hand, and danced around, clutching her hand.
''Scar! I am going to kill you!'', she screamed.
''Hahahahaha......!''.
I almost sank to my knees, trying to control my laughter. But just then, Julian rushed from behind and put his blade on my neck. The next moment, he was lying face down on the ground.
I sensed Alice charging towards me. I jumped out of the way at the last second and tackled her to the ground.
''You are a lot stronger Scarlett'', said Julian. ''But don't let it get to your head. You still don't know what you are up against''.
''I understand''.
I knew it was not enough. If I had to go up against the Emperor, I had to get a lot more stronger.
''And Alice'', he said, looking at her. ''Soon, you will be up against enemies faster and stronger than you. You will have to compensate that by using trickery and different techniques. You have to be a lot more cunning. A war is coming, and when it does, the two of you must be ready''.
Almost three months had passed since I had finally learnt to control my dark side. Now I could stay a whole day without drinking blood and still be in control.
I was stronger and faster than before, but I still got tired, though at a much slower rate. Since I was only half vampire, the basic human needs still remained. The only thing that had changed was, I had gained more strength and speed, and the thirst for blood. My left eye had healed, leaving behind only a faint vertical scar.
I had spent the last three months training under the twins, Lucas and Lucy.
Sometimes I went to the woods on the outskirts of Lycaonia to hunt. Though animal blood helped in getting rid of the burning sensation in my throat, it was not enough to quench my thirst.
Julian had already made some arrangements for that. He had stockpiled one of the closets in my room with waterskins filled with blood. Alice called them 'Blood skins'.
Alice was cheerful and carefree as ever. She wasn't even a least bit worried that I was a vampire.
Julian had taken upon himself to train Alice. She was quicker than before and she had learnt some new tricks. She could not defeat me in a sword fight now that I had the senses of a vampire, but she had given me quite a few scratches with her new dagger. We made a very good team.
I woke when I heard a set of footsteps approaching the door. I caught the familiar scent of Lucy.
''Scar! Alice! Wake up!'', she shouted.
''Scar...Get the door...'', groaned Alice from the next bed, pulling a pillow over her ears.
I dressed up and went for the door. Lucy was waiting outside.
''You have been summoned. Call Alice too. Make haste'', she said.
I shook Alice, but she just mumbled something and rolled over. I grabbed a
waterskin from the side table and poured some water on her face. She woke up with a start, gasping.
''What happened?!''.
''We have been summoned'', I said, controlling my expression.
''Why did you have to do that?'', she demanded, glaring at me.
''You weren't waking up'', I said, in a matter of fact tone, trying not to smile.
''You weren't waking up'', she repeated in a mocking tone , sticking out her tongue.
The Wolf King, Hector Talbot was sitting on his throne, deep in thought. In the middle of the room, a round table had been kept, on top of which, was a map of Aria. It was surrounded by Alphas and other important members. We joined Lucas, who was standing beside Julian.
The King rose from his marble seat and walked towards the table.
''The Empire is preparing for war. Viktor has already started moving his forces and his allies have been amassing at South Warren'', he started.
''Whitewater has already been overrun by the Empire's soldiers. Even as we speak, they are strengthening their defenses at Rockden and Stonehall. It is time for us to retaliate. Do you have anything to say?''.
''My lord, Thelma and Theodor still haven't returned'', said one of the Alphas.
''Ah, yes. They were supposed to return by now. Do you have any news?''.
''Yes, they have sent a messenger to Lycaonia, requesting reinforcements''.
''Yes, and I will'', said the Wolf King, turning towards one of the female Alphas. ''Ruth, I want you to go to Ostmount with your pack and give assistance to Thelma and Theodor''.
''Yes, my lord'', bowed the Alpha.
''The Empire has started sending soldiers and supplies to their bases in the south'', continued the Wolf King. ''We cannot expect any help from Beachcastle. We have to take over the bases at Rockden and Stonehall while we still have a chance''.
''My lord, the scouts have reported that Ithacus was attacked by a battalion of Empire's soldiers a few days ago'', said Julian. ''They said that it was guarding an envoy, probably new supplies to the southern bases''.
The Wolf King looked up in surprise, ''That is grave news indeed'', he said. ''Alistair and Cybele, I want you to capture the base at Stonehall. Rufus and Braden will take over the one at Stonehall''.
''What about the envoy, my lord'', asked Rufus.
''Ah yes. Lucas, take your pack and raid the supply wagons. Kill all the soldiers and bring back the supplies''.
Then he looked at me, ''Scarlett Ironfang, you are to accompany Lucas and help the second pack. Your friend can join you if she so wishes. The time has come, and you must be ready. It won't be long before you have to face your destiny''.
Later that night, I wasn't even able to sleep from the excitement. Ever since I had changed, I had been waiting for a chance to test my new strength. It had been a long time since we were in a real battle. This is what we were trained for.
''Are you sure you want to come Alice'', I asked. I did not want her to be in danger on my account.
''Yes, of course. Why would I miss it?'', she asked, looking at me incredulously.
''Do you realize it is our first battle since the siege of Crystal Mill?''.
''Yeah'', she sighed. ''Tomorrow we ride to glory or whatever they say'', she grinned.
I slumped back on my soft pillow and closed my eyes. It had been a long day. Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.
I was back in the dark hallway, sweat trickling down my brow. My heart was hammering in anticipation and fear. The two creatures snarled, baring their fangs.
I drew my sword, bracing myself for the attack. The bat like creature spread its wings and lunged at me, aiming at my neck.
Suddenly, the werewolf growled and charged, pouncing directly over my head. It crashed into the creature, driving it to the ground. The two monsters snapped at each other, terrible snarls ripping from their throats.
I woke up, gasping. Alice was looking at me with wide eyes.
''I am alright'', I whispered in a quaky voice.
She rolled her eyes, shaking her head and slumped back on her pillow. I smiled and closed my eyes.
All the members of the second pack had gathered at the gate. Alice and I had decided to take our favorite war horses, Blackflame and Graybolt.
Blackflame had a black, shiny coat. He was the only horse who was not afraid of me. Probably because we had been acquainted even before I turned. I smiled as I remembered the time he had tried to eat my hair because it was bright.
Lucas greeted us at the gate, ''So you two picked the best, huh. Please try not to get them killed, Lucy is quite fond of them'', he said, smiling.
Lucas looked at the rest of his pack and said, ''We have to move fast. The convoy has already left Ithacus two days ago. We should finish our task before it can reach any of the bases''.
We started our journey towards Ithacus, as dark clouds started gathering at the southern horizon. We were the only ones on horseback since the rest of the pack had decided to run on foot. We rode throughout the day, stopping only to eat and drink.
At sundown, Lucas signaled the company to stop, and we decided to set up camp near a small stream.
''Get some rest. We will set out early at dawn''.
I let Blackflame graze for a while, and then took him to the stream to quench his thirst, after which I tethered him to a nearby tree. He nickered and prodded me with his nose.
''Don't worry'', I crooned, stroking his mane. ''I will keep checking on you''.
Alice tied her horse beside Blackflame.
''Hey, how are you doing?'', she asked, glancing at me.
''A little thirsty'', I said, as I plopped down on the ground and took out the waterskin from my pack.
''I will grab some food. Enjoy your sauce'', she said, heading towards the fire, where the lycans were making stew.
The blood eased the burning in my throat. I drank till my thirst was fully quenched. I peered inside the waterskin. It was almost half empty.
''Don't worry, I brought some spare blood skins'', said Alice, as she sat down beside me with her bowl of stew.
''Why?'', I asked.
''Because I don't want to end up a blood skin myself'', she replied, giving me a wink, as she blew on her steaming stew.
''Don't worry, I won't. At least I will try not to'', I smiled, showing my fangs.
''Wow, that is scary, even though they look like baby fangs'', she shivered, sticking a piece of meat into her mouth.
''My thighs hurt. I should probably ride more often'', she complained, leaning on her backpack.
''Don't talk with food in your mouth'', I growled, gritting my teeth.
''Whatever'', she chomped, eyeing me with amusement.
The next day we started before dawn and rode till the moon was directly overhead, and the stars were shining in the sky.
We camped near a small vein of the Zhor river. The land was lush with long green grass. I even caught sight of a deer herd.
Lucas called the members of his pack and spread a map on the ground. ''They have a two day's head start. We must waylay them halfway between Ithacus and Rockden'', he said, tracing his finger along the road that was marked on it.
''What if there are vampires?'', asked Alice.
''We will take care of them. You concentrate on human soldiers'', he replied. ''If you are attacked by a vampire, please call for help''.
''Yeah, I will'', she said, her eyes shining with excitement. I knew she wouldn't.
''Get some rest. We have a big battle tomorrow'', he said, rolling up the map.
Lucas sent one of the lycans ahead of us, to confirm the position of the enemy. Soon the plains started giving way to forest land. I caught a glimpse of the Glair peaks on the distant horizon.
The ground was covered with soft grass, which muffled the sound of hooves. Tall, dark trees loomed around us, its boughs raised towards the sky.
Apart from me and Alice, there were thirty werewolves strong in the company. Most of them were huge and bulky.
I only knew some of them, like Zaros, the moody one. Vossen, who was always ready for a fight. Zaff, the cheerful one, because he was always laughing. They had nicknamed him the Howler, because his laugh sounded like a howl.
They kept their distance from me, mostly because I was a vampire, but they were not outright rude. The only real friends we had in Lycaonia were Lucas and Lucy.
As we marched through the dense forest, a cool breeze wafted through the trees, carrying with it two different scents. One was definitely human, but the other scent was different, one I hadn't encountered before. Suddenly, my throat started to burn with desire.
''They are nearby'', I warned Lucas.
''What?!'', he exclaimed. ''Are you sure? Robert still hasn't returned''.
''Positive'', I replied.
After marching for almost ten minutes, we came across a huge creature lying in our path. It was a werewolf!
''No! It can't be. He is dead'', gasped Lucas.
I jumped down from my saddle and walked towards the fallen werewolf.
''He was shot'', I said, pulling out an arrow shaft from its flank. It had a silver arrowhead. I sensed another presence nearby.
''On guard!'', I shouted, as someone jumped down from a tree directly in front of us, blocking the path.
It was vampire. His breastplate was emblazoned with the Empire's crest. He sneered, baring his fangs and aimed his crossbow to my heart.
''Time to die!''.
I snarled and bared my fangs in warning, but he had already loosed the projectile. I sensed the arrow cutting through the air. My hand instinctively shot out and caught the shaft in midair, snapping it like a twig.
My lungs were on fire. I growled in anger and lunged, straight at the vampire's throat. He dropped the crossbow in shock, as my fangs sank into his neck.
''No!'', he gasped. ''What are you?!''.
It just tasted right, better than human blood. I couldn't stop. It filled me with power, more power than I had ever felt before. I heard Alice gasp and pulled back. The vampire sank to the ground, dead.
''Your eyes!'', gasped Alice.
Everyone was staring at me in shock. I picked up the vampire and hurled him into a thicket.
Atlantis: The Beginning (The Atlantis Saga Book 1) Page 14
