Chapter 3 The Truth Revealed

• Isadora finally got an eye full of the castle she had heard so much about. It was grand; she had to give it that much, not to mention the splendid scenery that overlooked the ocean. This massive palace stood alone, for she had never seen anything as colossal as this castle. It was on an island all to itself. Once the ships passed the backside, they entered the hidden passage for those who served their Master. She would later understand how those inside the walls could come in and out. There was a ritual that those who came by land had to the drawbridge. The soldiers would only lower the drawbridge during specific hours of the day, never after sunset. She would learn that the Captain of the guard was the one who would give a final call, then his guards would make sure everyone who didn't live within these walls was to be on their way out. Those visiting or staying over, for however long, were given special permission by the Prince or by one elected to give a writ or pass for a short time. Those who didn't have permission and/or refused to leave would be thrown out or escorted to the prison that wasn't inside the walls.
• Then there were docks below, but those on the docks had a different channel of coming and going. Those who traded or unloading supplies and merchandise to the shopkeepers were then escorted through a secure route inside the kingdom. When they completed their business, they were escorted back to the same way they had come in. They were always to be guarded, and this was a protective measure to assure the people in the kingdom were always kept safe and protected. Which also was a way to avoid trouble or uprising.
• The passage they had entered was kept secret by making it blend into the surrounding, even though the secret passage was kept heavily guarded at all times. Once they landed and the ship was tied off, Keane led them up the stairs, which were many steps. Inside the walls, she could see the townspeople in the marketplace with shops and blacksmithing. It looked like any other human kingdom until she saw some of their eyes glowing either shade of green or darken orange. No one here was ousted for what they were. She, however, noticed some humans, though she half expected them to be in chains or herded like human cattle.
• On the contrary, they were well-kept and selling goods amongst the creatures. Stopping for a moment, she realized, for the first time during a crowd, she was able to use her abilities. No one batted an eye and there was no hysteria. She had been so used to hiding her abilities for the longest time because humans weren't exactly accepting of creatures. She could see some of the guards while others were hidden. Here it might be strict but it seemed to work. Here both creatures and humans were living alongside each other, it was like a utopia, here.
• She moved her gear on her other shoulder though the others kept walking, heading over to the armory; Caelan stepped beside her, "These are not regular humans, Isadora. They are either mutants or half-breeds. Those who feed on blood do not feed on those here, instead, we take war criminals and use them as our human cattle. For our Master, some won't even think twice about volunteering to give their blood. They are only for those who are the Master's personal guards other than himself."
• "I do not need feast on blood from anything or anyone."
• "True. Although, it's not so difrerent from our feeding, either. Face it, you are not that different than what we are. Even if you don't crave blood or the beating heart of a mortal, you crave something that only a human can give you even if it's not everyday. You crave a person's energy, their life force. The only difference between how I feed and how you feed, I don't have to drain my host completely. Your prey becomes a withered body, drained until they are dried."
• He was close to her, though he looked more human than she, though his beard wasn't thick like barbarians it didn't scratch her face. His eyes no longer glowing revealing only his warm brown eyes, his golden blonde hair was tied behind his neck but there were some strands that loose, he was a heart throb, even she had to admit it. She however backed away, "I only feed on criminals. Never on the innocent, and only during the Hunter's moon."
• "Face it, you are a predator. Regardless if you are the only one I have ever seen, you are not as alone as you think you are." He liked her, she lived by her own rules. Even though she tried to push him away, he could tell she liked him as well. He could forget himself in her coppery with blends of golds in her eyes. Though her lips were not full, they were very kissable. She had one scar across her left eye that crossed over to her right cheek. He could tell that it was angry whatever had made it and she felt him looking at her scar and she quickly said something to keep a distance between them. "So is this like a utopia where if everyone plays nice and have smiles and sunshine all the live long day?"
• "Oh yes, we also have singing leperchauns that come through here, as well"
• ****NEW CHAPTER****
• Isadora had her back turned but on her face she did smile even though it was short lived. They resumed walking again, catching up to the Captain, who was giving them the signal, for them to catch up. Caelan had to admit she was like ice, but he knew the type or at least he knew. She banter whenever someone was getting too close to comfort. It was her way of distracting so that she wouldn't get attached to anyone. He was once like that, when he first became a vampire, and he realized that he was immortal. He had to admit he had his fun with the ladies, but it wasn't enough. His Master, Dagen von Draak recruited those who were not afraid to die. Caelan didn't have that fear, he was a warrior one of the last of his tribe. He was taught that deaths while fighting was an honor and never to run away but face death head on. Isadora took another look at the market square where everyone regardless of what they were, were here buying and selling. No one appeared to be freaking out because there were various creatures coming and going.
• "We have our crimes, just like any other kingdom, but it's not out of control, either. Here there is only one to fear and only one."
• "So it's true then, you're not very scary at all."
• "You're not as cold as you think you are, either. Everyone here fears the Master of this kingdom. He is a very rare vampire with extraordinary abilities. He will defend his people at all cost. He also believes you could be an assest to him as well."
• "Why is that then? I have no country or allegiance to anyone. I am a drifter, for some a sell-sword and to others, I am soldier of fortunate. Then to most I am a Butcher, a murderer; a predator who is damned. I am no soldier or warrior, who can be commanded or ordered around."
• The captain had already was inside, announcing the arrival to the Master that his guest was just right outside. For a moment, he let down his guard for he and a few others knew why their master wanted her. The Master's sister, Yvette who was a Strega, a vampire witch. Though she was beautiful but it was the curse that at times made her ugly. She was the battlemage for this kingdom, and she helped her brother protect this place; but the curse at times took over and she was unable to fight back. She had already killed and many wanted her to be placed in prison until she could be cured. The only measure that protected the innocent was when the curse began to reveal itself, she would have her brother's guards chain her to the wall with silver then locking her behind the bars which they too were made of silver. It was the only way she wouldn't hurt another, but it would last for three nights and on the fourth night she could be heard screaming that kept the kingdom on guard in case she managed to escape. The fourth night was the most dangerous because she was starving which made her powers even stronger. It was the next day that she was able to return to her normal self, she covered in a bloody mess because she was no longer a creature form, the creature's skin melted leaving Yvette in a weakened state.
• "You have no loyalty because you don't have a reason to fight for a cause. When you have a reason, you don't have to think twice about your loyalty. You would already know."
• "So, I am guessing you fear him as well?"
• "He is one of the oldest of our kind. I have seen what he can do, so yes I have both fear and the respect for him."
• Jett her lynx was sitting by Isadora's feet, the wild feline looked at him as though she knew something about Isadora that the world would never know. This blue-eyed feline didn't make a sound and didn't blink which made him wondered if she too knew something about him that even he didn't know. Isadora bent down for a moment letting Jett jump into her arms, "I have my loyalties and not only to myself."
• "Then you'll understand what the Master has asked you here. We all have a purpose, and you're about to learn that."
• "You think I didn't know that already?"
• "I think you run from it whenever you start finding a purpose."
• Her eyes darkened as she was about to say exactly what she was thinking, instead they were summoned before she could respond back to him. He however went a different direction than she because he was called back on duty.
• ****NEW CHAPTER****
• Even though she walked many roads alone, she could see eyes watching her and though she didn't see any of the guards or soldiers, she caught their scents. At night, her vision would have allowed her to see their auroras, regardless if it came from the living or the undead. She had her dealings with the undead a few times, she had her battle scars to remind her. A few times she had seen movement, though vampires appeared much like humans, their movements always gave them away. She knew the difference and though she was fast, it was best not to draw attention because she came under the white flag and out of respect to the Master of the Kingdom, she would remain calm regardless if the others were aiming their weapons at her, though she could tell them that it was pointless but she wasn't going to. Giving information to them in whom she didn't know were friend or foe was arrogant and foolish. She was neither. Although, she had heard about this vampire through tales and rumors she honestly didn't know what to expect maybe someone a lot older with white or grey hair, someone use to sitting at the thrown maybe never fought in battle. She had taken jobs from snooty royalty, they paid well enough but not always. She saw them as spoiled brats who knew nothing about poverty or how hard like could be for them who peasants. Through another set of enormous doors she was astounded to see who the Prince was, he was not and far from being a old man or engorged from sucking the life out of them who barely survived. He wasn't tall like this barbarian next to her, but taller than the Captain who stood in front of her. She could see there were many in here, guards and soldiers, the royal members of the court, they were silently watching her. Standing beside her was Jett, her blue-eyed lynx who was with her ever since Isadora was born. The Prince was standing with his hands behind his back, from neck down he wore black and silver attire, she recognized the clothing to be both elegant but it was also fulfilled his image of authority. His hair a little past his broad shoulders, like darkness blending with streams of chestnut and walnuts streaks but it was his eyes, which were molten, honey maple. He had to be at least six feet and close to two inches. She could see the warrior in him, his face revealed that he had some years on her but she could also tell he wasn't a coward or spoiled brat, from the way he stood she could see him commanding forces or face the dangers by himself. His eyes she could see he too was studying, seizing her up. She only stood five feet and nearly five inches, but her size gave her the advantage because her enemies would assume she was weak. Her age and her height, made her an easy mark, but it was their grave mistake that she show them they had miscalculated her. His lips were a little darker than pale nude, but she could see that he wasn't normal vampire, either. His heat signature revealed he had the ability to create fire from nothing, pyrokinetic she would later learn was what his ability was called. She stopped talking and something in the distance caught her ears, her lynx who had left her side through Jett's eyes she could see the fingers releasing the arrow and she manuevered her body, twisting herself in time to catch the arrow with her hand then landing on her left foot kneeling down as her right leg crunched up. She looked to where the arrow had been released and she took the arrow heaving the arrow much quicker than the vampire realized and she along with the others watched as the big guy with black hair was nailed to the wall behind him. The arrow was thrown with such a great force that it was deep inside his right shoulder blade. He of course dropped his long bow and was groaning in pain as the others quickly went to help his aide to remove the arrow that was deeply embedded. She turned to Master Vampire, his lips curled and he began clapping. She didn't understand why risk one of his men for what would be the reason, she looked at the Master of this castle, "Was this to have me killed or to see if I passed or failed your test?"
• His lips still curled revealing his fangs, "My people and I have never seen one of your kind before, it's a rare opportunity to see what you can do in mere seconds. I am astonished that you have managed to keep yourself out of the wars amongst the creatures. You have our strength and yet you move quicker than what we can. I am told you drain the life force off of your victims and legends state you do this during the Hunter's moon. You are a rarity, lethal and yet, enchanting, a perfect combination."
• "I am not here for your entertainment." She replied though she had in her mind to just walk way. Instead he placed his hands behind his back and walked towards her, he was a predator in a category all to himself, just like her he was an oddity even amongst the creatures that were around. Vampires were known to possess different abilities, this vampire proved many times already he earned his title to be feared by the many. In spite of being feared by the many, she on the otherhand didn't reveal her emotions towards him. Many of the knights and the royal court members were watching the two, she stood like a statue watching his movements. Caelan and the others were standing waiting on orders, though Caelan didn't want to fight her, if his master gave the signal, he would be ready to die for his master. The Master vampire stood directly behind her though she didn't budge she felt a chill run down her spine something that never happened. Her heart however kept a steady rhythm which let him know that even with danger lurking she wasn't backing down. A characteristic that was unique, for most everyone they were either followers or they feared to take chances; and those who were leaders had to play by rules. Here was one that could claim the title of being the lone wolf, an individual without being confined by rules and laws.
• "You however do not fear me or death, your weakness however isn't as notable as others. It wasn't my request that lured you here. You could careless, however what could bother you, the one known as Keket?"
• "How did you know my real name?" She asked knowing that there was no sense of dancing around the flames, he was direct and this made her comfortable enough to say exactly what brought her here.
• "My sister, Yvette is in need of your services, but that isn't it, only. I know you are an oddity amongst creatures and monsters, and even with my abilities, you seem to be distinctive, a class all on your own. Yvette can see the past and present, but because of something that had happened years ago, she has been detained. I am willing to have you help her and in return we help you."
• ****NEW CHAPTER****
• "What makes you think I need help or anyone's help?"
• "Do you dance?"
• "What does that..."
• "Tonight, we are celebrating and we shall talk some more then."
• "Hold on, I do not do parties and such."
• He only smiled, for she could see he was arrogant and confidence, and yet he could stand firm without being bloated about it. "Tonight my dear, you will. Caelan show her to her room, and my sister will want to talk with her as well."
• And just like that, he came he spoke and he left not even glancing back to see if she was going to follow his orders or not. Every guard and soldier lowered their weapon for Master Dagen von Draak had spoken. Though Caelan was annoyed because he wanted to know more about Isadora but his master was mysterious and there were many females but only a few his master entertained.
• He waited for her to start walking, she did of course look annoyed for as she had said before she hated orders, and she wasn't one to be ordered around. However, he was right. She hadn't come here because of his request, she had came because he knew her real name. He was a master vampire but something was going on that required him to reach out, but why? He had guards and soldiers who were willing to fight and die for their prince. Why have her here? She, who wasn't one to yield to anyone. Which had gotten her into trouble at times, but because of her set of skills they made her valuable. They said nothing until she was shown a room that was bigger than any room she had ever stayed in. The bed she could see had been designed with perfection with perfect craftmanship. He waited by her door, not moving further from the door way. She touched the blanket and knew that this room was far too much for her. She would be better staying in the servant quarters or even camp outside. This room was much too extravagant.
• "Are you sure that this room is for me?"
• "Why is that?"
• "Surely this is for a royal guest or maybe someone of great importance."
• "Yvette had this room prepared for you over a year ago, she is very talented with foresight."
• "Doesn't every vampire have abilities some more than others or shall I say, far more advance than most."
• "Yes."
• "So what are yours? Wait don't tell me, you are great at pissing people off, right?"
• "It doesn't take much to piss you off and no, that isn't my gift it's my talent."
• She dropped her gear onto the floor, "I can't stay in here. I'm probably not even going to be here long enough."
• "Isadora, raised by an older gypsy woman, Eruielle, and like in my dreams your lynx who was your father's familiar once upon a time."
• A young maiden came into the room, she was quite tall for a female like everyone else who towered over Isadora. Her skin like alabaster under moonlight, her eyes green as shimmering emeralds, and her ginger hair spilled over her shoulders kept in a very neat braid. She was slim and well-toned but she wasn't a warrrior like the others. Isadora could sense a magic radiating off of Yvette, though there was something else that even made Jett hissed and disappearing without a second glance.
• "Vampires, we don't exactly have a good history with pets. Especially being what we are and what we do."
• Isadora could smell a stench coming from Yvette, she didn't know what exactly made her feel sick for she had never felt this way. For a moment she didn't know what to say or do but in a blink of an eye, Yvette turned from a beauty into a hag witch creature who charged at Isadora. Already she had been shot at by an arrow and now here was a strega launching herself at Isadora who managed to leap out of the way and onto the ceiling. Caelan standing behind was now in the strega's sight but Isadora tackled the Yvette. Isadora realizing why she had gotten sick was because she sense that Yvette had been cursed, was this something that Dagen von Draak knew and this is why she was brought here? She didn't know what this meant but she locked the strega into a hold until Caelan and others managed to get the elixir that would force the vampire witch back into a comatose state allowing Yvette to regain herself. It was now the task to adminster the dosage which at the moment was impossible for the possession had been getting stronger, even now it wasn't even sunset and already the creature was managing to take control even during the daylight hours.
• Yvette having the strength of four vampires, but Isadora held on, even though the scent of evil invaded her sense. She knew letting go would be dangerous for everyone in this situation. Outside there were humans and if the strega manage to get out there, innocent lives would be slaughtered. The strega wailing and swiping in every direction in order to break free from Isadora's grip. Isadora didn't let go even after she had felt the strega claws ripping through her flesh but she didn't break her hold. Finally, they were able to subdue the witch and injecting her with the elixir to help bring Yvette back.
• ****NEW CHAPTER****
• Dagen had seen the entire scene and finally the witch went into a slumber, they watched as the skin of the witch began to melt and quickly the servants came in draping a cover over the princess and carrying her to the room where if in case the witch came back, she wouldn't be able to get out. He hated seeing his sister in this state, but seeing how Isadora handled the situation along with maintaining control she only reacted as though this wasn't her first time dealing with a vampire witch. He had an evening ball to prepare for, it was to assure his people that help for his sister was here and that he wouldn't have to kill her. Though he had given his word of honor to his sister that if nothing worked that she wanted to be buried deep in the tombs. It would be a slow and painful death, but she even stated she had killed and harm way too many. It was her way of holding herself accountable for the crimes she had commited against her people, and each day, more and more she knew she was losing the battle from within. Caelan could see Isadora's wounds, for she was still bleeding though she wasn't paying attention, her mind was on other things.
• "Come on, let's get your wounds cleaned."
• "It will heal." Her hand touched her wound and seeing the blood, she knew it would heal and just be another faint scar like all the others ones she had. However, Caelan wasn't having it, he bit down on his wrist then he quickly grabbed her and his blood dripped into her wounds. She could already see that his blood was healing her that when it was fully healed there was no scar left behind.
• "Thanks, but don't ever grab me like that again."
• "Why do you have to fight me on everything?"
• He stormed off not even looing back, she bit her tongue when lynx came back into the room and leaped onto the bed.
• "Don't get too comfortable with this Jett. We won't be here too long and we will be on our way."
• Jett laid down and stretching out her paws but she appeared to be laughing at Isadora, and finally Isadora settled down next to her familiar.
• "You know something don't you?"
• Again the Lynx whose blue-eyes were darkening though she just looked at Isadora. Isadora fingers ran through Jett's fur, "I learned something new about myself. I hate that you know. I wish I had someone, anyone who knows what I am can explain things to me. I am always learning something that I didn't know before and it's only after I have been put in a situation that it becomes apparent that there is so much more hidden about myself."
• Jett got up and climbed into Isadora's lap then nudging Isadora before going out the window. This was a new area and of course Jett was going to explore. There was a knock at her door when she opened it there were three ladies holding material, one of them spoke, "The Master has requested that we make you a gown for this evening event. He said that you would like black and red for this evening."
• "I am not going to any event tonight."
• "Yes, you are."
• She looked to see that it was the Master, he was very mysterious she had to give him that. Though he was the darker side of his sister but she had seen how he looked when his sister wasn't herself. He motion for the ladies to leave the room leaving them alone. With a snap of his fingers the doors shut and locked. Then over by the fireplace he had used his pyrokinetic abilities as the fire grew the but the darkness covering his face never left.
• "Don't worry, I am not going to try anything, just yet. You are use to doing things your way, but now we play by my rules."
• She got up off the bed her eyes lit like fiery gemstones, "I am here because it's apparent your sister needs help. I play by my own rules. You might be the Master of these walls, but I am my own master." She had spat back. Though she didn't realize how close she was to him where she could feel the warmth of his body though normally she wouldn't back away but this time she did. His eyes burning through her still she was defiant, grabbing her around the waist and his lips crushed against hers. Though her hands pressed against his chest made of steel, her fingers betraying her by gripping his tailored shirt of fine materials. Though he could have ravaged her by having angry and passionate sex, but she finally pulled away. Her lowered lip had a small slit though he could taste her blood, her lips were bruised from the power struggle between them. There was something about him that also attracted her to him, but this type of relationship would just be lust nothing solid. That should have been enough for her, but even she closed that part of herself off.
• "I'll go to the celebration tonight and I will help you with your sister." She said this just a little bit above a whisper. Though her body wanted him as his taste of her lingered, she knew this wasn't wise that she would grow bored and off again somewhere else. "I believe we are poisonous together."
• "And yet we understand each other."
• Once he left, it had taken her a moment to gather herself before going into the bathroom. Taking off her clothes even though she didn't sweat like humans, she did however bathe and washed her hair. The servants had fixed her hot bath with some oils and the water had petals floating around it. She relaxed a little while longer before putting on her tunic and then coming out, already the ladies were waiting on her so that they could fix her a beautiful gown.