Hunted

by Matt Mememaro

  “I’m Graytooth’s heir.” Gareth raised his hands up in the air and tried to shrug. “That’s all there is to it. I didn’t know my parents and that is the reason why. My father left me in the care of Unul and he placed me so that the Hunters would take me in. And according to Tal’davin I will be a part of their downfall.”

  Lois lowered herself down to his level and stared for a moment deep into his eyes. Gareth felt a bubble rise in his chest as her eyes returned to their normal colour. Before he could protest she had pressed her mouth against his. He stopped struggling and gave into the embrace. Lois was tight around his body just like the Desire had been back at the inn.

  A breeze graced his groin and Gareth felt his pants being tugged down. He hadn’t even felt his belt coming undone. Lois’ hand was already guiding him into her. He could feel her warmth and a moment later he was inside her. She threw her head back and moaned, the sun shining off her hair as she moved around. She pushed herself up, now sitting on Gareth.

  Free from her grasp, her wrapped his hands around her back and thrust inside her. She placed her hands on his chest and tried to tear open his tunic. He grunted and reached up, now grabbing her by the throat. She moaned, and her nostrils flared as he started to cut off her air supply. A moment later, just as fast as it had started, Gareth felt himself coming to a climax. He held his breath, but it was too late. Lois felt him finish and she collapsed in a heap on top of him.

  “Is that it? Pathetic. I don’t know what Tal’davin saw in you.”

  “You caught me by surprise,” Gareth said.

  Lois climbed to her feet and adjusted herself, pulling her pants up to her hips. “All I’m hearing from you is excuses. Tal’davin got them from me when I was fifteen. I quickly learnt he doesn’t tolerate them.”

  “You’re working for him as well?” Gareth asked. “Then what the fuck was that?”

  “That was real, what I said was true. But you really need to learn how to last longer,” Lois said. “I would have hoped he picked someone that was better at fighting and fucking.”

  “I’ll learn,” Gareth said. “I have time to take over Alilletia, as Unul said. It doesn’t have to be in a hurry.”

  “So he didn’t tell you everything,” Lois said. “A child could see there’s more to his plan than just installing you at the head of Alilletia.”

  “Then what are we going to do?” Gareth asked.

  “I have a responsibility to tear down the one true last defence that Taagras has against him. Tal’davin ordered me to get close to Abner. I had to fall in love with him and I’m going to be the one that ultimately destroys him, leaving the path wide open for Tal’davin.”

  “But you’re a Hunter, why are you turning you back on your own?” Gareth asked.

  “He got to me before I even knew the Huntrey existed,” Lois said. She climbed back up on Mirabel. “Now we’ve got wolves to hunt. Are you coming or not?”

  Day turned into night and the pair found shelter by a creek bed. Lois didn’t bother with a tent, just setting up her rug meters from the running water. Gareth copied her and whilst she knelt to fill their waterskins he collected firewood. They set up their campsite like a well-oiled machine, no words passing between them, what had happened that afternoon, nothing but a memory. Darkness was truly set now and the two Hunters huddled beside the fire, both of their horses tethered steps away, the beasts looking out into the night with their red eyes.

  “So how are we going to do it?” Gareth asked.

  “Do what, kill Abner?” Lois asked.

  “Of course, that’s what Tal’davin wants us to do isn’t it?” Gareth asked.

  “He told me what I had to do,” Lois said. She drew a jeweled dagger from its sheath on her belt. “Abner’s never seen this before and it’s for good reason to. I keep it on me because when Tal’davin appears in front of both of us that’s when I do it. That’s when I stab him in the back and then Tal’davin will be reborn once again. Abner holds the last two amulets, but he won’t for much longer. That’s when I do it.”

  “And you haven’t thought about telling him?” Gareth asked.

  Lois shook head her. “The world is broken. It’s about time we had a change. Tal’davin is the best way forward.”

  A horse neighed behind them and Lois snapped upright. Alex approached them, riding down the embankment onto the sandy shoreline of the creek. He gave them a cheerful wave and dismounted, without missing a stride.

  “Fucking hell never thought I’d find you out here,” he said. “Did you manage to find the Ghosts?”

  “We did, but we’ve been separated from the rest of the group,” Gareth said. “Lois and I broke off when they attacked us. She thinks she can find their den.”

  “Good, when Razal told me you had already left I followed immediately. I’m here to help,” Alex said.

  “You came out on your own?” Lois asked. “What drove you to that madness?”

  Alex shrugged. “Got bored. But if you’re here and the rest of the group is hunting, why aren’t we out there with them?”

  13

  The Shrine

  Dravian walked between the two Hunters, Gunthos holding his crossbow on his lap. The Vampire continually looked at both of his companions. Abner paid him no mind, however Gunthos hardly adverted his gaze. They rode into the night, the Hunters using their night vision to keep up with Dravian as he lead them deep into a forest.

  “Can you slow down, Butcher?” Gunthos asked as Dravian began to distance himself from his captors.

  “The Erdia Arrzara are the only creatures on this planet that can keep pace with us of the old blood apart from you Hunters. I won’t remain here long, keep up,” Dravian said.

  “What are they?” Abner asked. “Why are you so afraid?”

  “They were an experiment, I told you. They were designed to hunt Hunters better than we hunt humans, but I have heard rumors that they are hunting and killing Vampires indiscriminately. They’re just as efficient as you,” Dravian said. “If not more so.”

  “Hmm, we’ve thought as much,” Gunthos said. “But we haven’t let that stop us. How many Ghosts have we killed Ab?”

  “Be about five in the last year or so I’d say,” Abner said. “Ton more Vampires, in case you were wondering, Butcher.”

  “Very funny Hunter, but what will you do when my kind take Taagras by force and turn the sky red with human blood?” Dravian asked.

  “I’m the son of Barros Toldar. I’m already a Vampire,” Abner said. “I’ll do what I always do and that is kill your kind. Unless Tal’davin himself raised a hand against me, I don’t think there’s a whole lot that can stop me.”

  “You’re his son? Born of the Countess? We have agents searching for you. The safety of your Huntrey must be impeccable. But what will you do Toldar? You’ll fight and you’ll die like the rest of the Hunters. We will win this war even if it takes another five hundred years.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up Butcher,” Gunthos said. “You don’t contribute to the amount of soldiers on your side of the battle.”

  “No, but I subtract from your number,” Dravian said. “And that’s the most important part.”

  The bolt was in the air even before Abner could open his mouth. Dravian simply stepped to the side and watched it sail past. He looked up at Gunthos and smiled again.

  “Do you know how many Hunters I’ve killed?”

  “No, nor do I care,” Gunthos said.

  “For your information in my life time I have killed seven hundred and ninety-four of your colleagues. I will be quite happy to make it seven hundred and ninety-six if you shoot at me again. Now we are nearly there, keep quiet,” Dravian said.

  The Vampire led them down into a damp hollow that reminded Abner of his underground lair. A gnarled old tree stood lodged into the side of the rock, hanging over the entrance to yet another cave. The Hunters dismounted and tethered their horses to the nearest rock. Dravian looked up into the tree line above them before looking dow
n into the cave.

  “We haven’t been spotted yet, what are you going to do?”

  “Follow Abner,” Gunthos said as he shoved the Vampire forward with a push in the small of his back.

  Abner pulled his crossbow from his back and checked the ammunition barrel. He looked at Gunthos who nodded and ran to the cave entrance, pressing his back against the cold rock. Abner ducked to the opposite side.

  “See anything in there?” Gunthos asked.

  Abner shook his head. He then raised his right hand, with three fingers extended and looked at Dravian. “You come in straight after me.”

  “I’m not going in there,” the Vampire said.

  “You’ll do as you’re fucking told if you want to live,” Gunthos said.

  “Go!” Abner said.

  He heard a shuffle from behind him as Dravian was thrown forwards after him. The larger footsteps could only be Gunthos, storming in through the breach. Abner ducked down behind the first rock he saw, the cave lighter than expected. Light from further down the tunnel arched around the corner and illuminated a small circular pond in the center of the generous corridor. Gunthos and Dravian slid down beside Abner.

  “What do you reckon? Push on up?” Gunthos asked.

  “Stay here with him, I’ll let you know when it’s clear,” Abner said.

  “Why do I always have to be the babysitter?”

  “You’re good at it,” Abner said. He winked at Gunthos before vaulting over the rock.

  Abner kept his head down and crossbow outstretched, keeping an eye on the light coming from the next room. No shadows and within a matter of seconds Abner could see into the next room. He signaled for Gunthos to move up, keeping his crossbow trained on the room before him.

  The interior of the next room was filled with luxurious items such as long fur rugs and rich silverware. It gave off the smell of rich mahogany and many leather-bound books lined numerous shelves around the room. Abner looked over at Gunthos and nodded before moving into the room. He could see a golden statue of a wolf in the center, and several indents dug down into the ground, giving a human enough room to kneel in.

  Something moved in one of the grooves. Abner spun on his heel and raised his crossbow. A naked man with hair down to the small in his back, his hands out in front of him as he moved forward once again, worshipping the wolf. Abner pulled back on the crossbow sending a bolt at the man, not allowing him to even fight. The bolt slashed through the man’s throat, a gurgle escaping his throat.

  “We’re not alone here,” Abner said.

  Dravian darted forward to examine the body. He turned the man over onto his back and took a step back. The Hunters gathered around the corpse as well, a terrifying sight filling their vision. Abner’s kill was more wolf than man. He had a long snout, covered in fur and his ears were elongated, higher placed on his head compared to where they should have been.

  “Just as I suspected,” Dravian hissed. “The Erdia Arrzara are experimenting on their own fanatics to see if they can spread the virus without biting their victims.”

  “Humans follow the Ghosts?” Gunthos asked.

  “Of course, Gunthos. You humans will follow anyone or anything if you think it’ll give you the slightest bit of power or control over your peers. As far as I understand the cult of the half-breeds, is small but they now easily number in the dozens,” Dravian said.

  “And now we’ll have two more masters to serve!”

  Abner heard the scraping of weapons along the cold rocks, and the general grumble of discontent from numerous people around him. Gunthos drew his sword as well, turning in half circles, attempting to keep the two dozen followers of the Ghosts at bay as they moved closer. Most of the mutated men carried daggers, however some had grown claws to several inches.

  “Do you want any mutant Vampires to join your cause, Dravian?” Gunthos asked.

  “I want nothing to do with this,” the Vampire said. “They are impure.”

  “Guess it’s up to us Ab,” Gunthos said.

  The first Erdia Arrzara swung his knife at Abner’s face. He ducked under the strike, his sword going through the mutant’s knee. Abner rose, the blade rising with him and with it, the Erdia Arrzara’s head split in two. Gunthos’ enormous hand broke a nose before he decapitated another mutant. Within five seconds, three of the mutants were out of the fight, without a sign of slowing down.

  “Do you want to continue?” Gunthos asked. The blood splatter from the first mutant ran down his face. Mutants in the front row looked at each other questioning their intentions. “I haven’t even gotten started!”

  “Wait for the Masters,” one of the Erdia Arrzara said.

  “What is that going to accomplish?” another asked. “More of us will die and the Masters will be at risk.”

  A howl came from outside the cavern. The Ghosts had returned. The Mutants looked around at each other with an uneasy gaze. One licked his lips, his brow wrinkled, conflicted as to wait for his Masters or to take the Hunters on.

  “We need to get out of here now,” Dravian said.

  “We’re not going anywhere with a Ghost out there. Our best chance for survival is in here,” Abner said.

  “And you do realize those things come in here, don’t you Hunter?” Dravian asked. “Our best chance of survival is outside.”

  The Ghosts let out another long howl, and this time the Erdia Arrzara turned to pay attention, forgetting the Hunters. As one, they tore out of the room, leaving the Hunters and Dravian, all three perplexed.

  “What in the fuck just happened?” Gunthos asked.

  “Now is our chance to leave,” Dravian said. “Lead the way gentlemen.”

  14

  Strife

  “We need to destroy this place, while we still have the chance,” Abner said. “The Ghosts have called those things outside and if we can dislodge their operations here, we might just get one step closer to wiping them out.”

  “Yes, but if we burn it, what’s to say the Ghosts won’t take up residence somewhere else?” Gunthos asked. “We need to get outside and see what is going on.” He turned to grab Dravian.

  “No, I’ve changed my mind. I’m staying here,” the Vampire said as he ducked away from the Hunter. “Unless the monsters are feeding on your corpses I am not leaving.”

  Gunthos stepped through and grabbed Dravian by the ear, swinging the Vampire around, nearly taking it off its feet. “Listen here you piece of shit! You go about killing Hunters indiscriminately and now you’re afraid of a wolf or two? What kind of creature are you. Now get the fuck out there or I’ll shoot you where you stand.”

  Dravian raised his arm and broke Gunthos’ grip. He stepped back and raised his arms in the air behind his head. “Shoot me.”

  “Yeah alright,” Gunthos said. “I hope you’re not a burner.” He brought the crossbow sights to his eye and let loose two bolts. They found their marks and tore through Dravian’s right knee and hand. The Vampire howled, clawing what he could of the bolt out of him, but the damage as done. “Oh good, you’re still alive. Now you don’t have a choice.”

  The Vampire howled again and his gray, weathered skin showed through, his eyes turning red. Its claws sprung out from its finger tips as he made an attempt to move towards Gunthos. The bolt had exploded in its knee and it gave way. The Vampire fell, defeated, but continued to crawl it’s way towards Gunthos. Gunthos laughed, levelling the crossbow again, sinking another bolt into the Vampire’s other knee.

  “The Butcher, beaten by my hands! What a day, Ab.”

  “Indeed,” Abner said. “I think there’s only one thing to do with him now.”

  “No, no, no. It is a cursed life they lead. Do not throw me to them,” Dravian said.

  “I’m sure we can live that,” Gunthos said, his massive hand wrapping around the head of the Vampire, pulling the monster to its feet. “Let’s go Ab. Light it.”

  Gunthos limped towards the door, dragging Dravian on his backside behind him. Abner lifted his c
rossbow and shot around the room, loosening ten bolts around the shrine. He shot two more into the floor near his feet. He drew his sword and struck both bolts with the blade. They sparked and immediately began to burn, the Fyndfire on the bolt serving as the fire’s fuel.

  Abner grabbed a bolt and threw it onto the wooden table, centered near the fire place, the rug the other bolt laid upon was already well alight. He readied his crossbow again and turned to follow Gunthos outside.

  The Mutants were frantic, some had fled into the distance, but others remained, jaws slack, weapons held uselessly by their sides when the Hunters emerged. Gunthos threw Dravian in front of him, a dirt covered heap. One Mutant cocked its head and stepped forward, before Abner put a bolt in the ground in front of it.

  The howling started again. From out of the night mist, a Ghost approached, it’s wet snout sniffing in the air, its dark red eyes, darting back and forth searching for the intruders in its territory. It spotted the Hunters and started towards the den.

  “Gunner, where are the horses?” Abner asked.

  “We’ll we’re fucked.” Gunthos said. Another Ghost had come into view, white hackles on its back raised as it stalked its prey.

  “We’ve killed them before,” Abner said. He drew his sword again, clasping it in his right, keeping his crossbow trained on the first Ghost.

  “There’s two you fools,” Dravian said. “They’ll tear you apart before you can make a mark. Get me out –”

  Gunthos’ boot connected with the side of the Vampire’s head. “Shut the fuck up! You ready Ab?”

  “Let’s do it,” Abner said.

  He pulled back on the trigger, unleashing a volley of bolts as the Ghosts made their simultaneous attacks. Abner’s first volley weren’t directed at the wolves, but rather most found their mark, punching a whole in a Mutant as they lumbered forward. The Ghosts were unphased by their losses and leapt over the still warm bodies of their fanatics.