As the revelry down below grew quiet, and the night grew longer, I found myself wondering where Halcyon had been. Had he found the baths and truly not told me?
I grudgingly pushed myself from the bed, grabbed some clean clothes from my bag in the chest, and made my way downstairs. Most of the crowd had departed, and what remained were either unconscious or eating themselves into a stupor, as well as a young man who swabbed the sticky floors. His face was contorted with disgust.
The old lady, whom Halycon had argued with, still sat at the check-in desk. "Excuse me," I said, walking over to her.
She exhaled dramatically, "Yes..."
"Might you point me in the direction of the bathhouse, please?"
She sighed, "There are signs..."
I looked off to her right, a small hallway leading to a door labeled bathhouse. "Ah, I see," I chuckled, bowing my head lightly and going.
The door opened, and a deep humidity hit me like a hot cloud. The sweet scent of perfumes and soaps floated on the air as I stepped in. The room was large and marbled; private stalls lined the walls, and in the middle was a pool-like bath. A handful of both men and women sat within, conversing and laughing.
Among those bathing, I hadn't seen Halcyon... perhaps he'd chosen a stall already. I'd forget about me too for a hot bath. Maybe he'd meet me in the room later, I thought, but the baths beckoned.
Soon, I had picked a stall in the far corner of the bathhouse for just a tad more privacy. I closed the door behind me and noticed an immediate silence, as if the voices from outside were blocked out... making it feel like its own world. Within was a large wall mirror and an already prepared tub.
I took note of my clothes; the mud from the trek had dried, cracking and falling off my clothing in pieces. I stripped off each piece of clothing, some of which were still wet underneath, leaving a dirty film on my skin.
My reflection as I stood for a moment depicted a disheveled man, rather pathetic, I had thought. Could such a few scant hours here really have worn on me? Though as I regarded myself, I still saw the strength instilled in me by the Arcanex... fuzzy as those memories were steadily becoming. I ran my hands down the front of my body, feeling the years of toil that had gone into mastering my abilities. "A healthy mage is a strong mage." These words echoed in my head, making me smile.
Those thoughts aside, I turned to the tub, which tempted me with the steam floating from its surface, beckoning me like the outstretched hand of a lover.
The water cascaded over my skin like a warm embrace as I dipped in, finally resting my head against the tub's edge as the stresses of the day died off. I breathed deeply, the scent of vanilla hanging upon the humid air. I could've stayed in that moment forever.
After an hour of lounging in bliss, I could feel the desire for sleep setting in, and beyond that, perhaps it was time to finally find Halcyon, and for that matter, a towel. I emerged from the bath begrudgingly and stood for a moment at the door. Nudity was not a problem, but nudity in front of others never sat well with me.
I peeked through the door, cracked open only slightly; the people in the large bath had departed, easing some of my discomfort. I inched my way over to a rack of towels, farther away than I would have liked, attempting to act normal, though covering myself awkwardly. The towels were soft like a cloud, and as I grabbed one, around the corner in another room of stalls, I saw a familiar pale figure.
Halcyon dried himself; his long black hair flowed, damp, down his shoulders as he faced the wall. My eyes widened, and the warmth that filled my body in that moment was... ungodly. He turned around slowly, causing me to dart away my attention. My heart raced at the thought of him seeing me. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration at these sudden thoughts.
After a moment too long of standing in confusion, I went back to my stall to dry off and grab my clothes. The door slammed loudly behind me. "Dammit," I muttered... startled. I grabbed my clean set of clothing and dressed wearily. The soft cotton of a simple shirt and woolen bottoms was comforting. Much more subtle than my robes... ruined by mud. I picked them up from the ground with two fingers. I was not unaccustomed to using my abilities for selfish... albeit lazy means. "Clean..." I whispered. The mud fell from my robes, like dust in the breeze, leaving them pristine like new.
Once dressed, I made my way back to my room, passing through a now empty inn, eager for a restful sleep.
I opened the door to Halcyon, who sat upon the chest at the end of the bed, holding a piece of paper, deep in thought.
"I trust your bath went well?" I asked, disregarding my actions, unbeknownst to him.
"It did," he said, pausing for a moment after and placing the paper on the bed. "Sebastien, I feel there is something I must share with you. If we are to travel together... or for however long I'll be with you, I fear I can't hide this, lest it endanger your life."
My eyebrow arched.
Halcyon picked up the paper and held it out to me. "Read this, please."
My eyes glazed over the words... It was an article that spoke of a dark being on the loose around Elm. Most attacks were within the woods on the village's outskirts. It seemed this being would abduct the village's people, and bodies drained of blood would end up on the roads. The word 'vampire' had been used in multiple lines.
"So... This is why those hunters were after you?"
He nodded. "It is..."
I read further; the article described this being, this vampire as a tall man cloaked in shadows with long hair of unspecified color and eyes of red like the typical vampire.
"But this isn't you?" I questioned.
"No." He said, but would not look me in the eye.
"Well... it certainly describes someone like you." I said. "But I... believe you."
He took a breath, likely one of relief, "I haven't fed in centuries. I doubt I'd even have the strength to try... a child could overpower me as I am now," he chuckled.
"I'm sure that's a bit of an overstatement."
He continued, "Well, I've scouted this area for weeks-steering clear of the village and its people, hoping to track him, maybe save someone... if I could."
"That's admirable, whatever your state." I said. I had dealt with members of his kind before, but having not fed for centuries, he looked healthy... thriving even.
"I know what you're thinking," he said. His face took on an air of apprehension. "Vampires lose vigor and strength when they don't feed. I should be a shriveled husk by now." He paused, "I'll only say that I am not like him."
"And if I pry?" I asked.
"You'll receive the same answer."
Knowing this conversation would go no further, I continued, "I... understand, though, barring that, what have you learned in your efforts?"
He took a deep breath. "All vampires hunt differently. Some purely out of instinct, the drive to devour and feed; others do it for fun, tormenting and torturing their victims... only to finally feed and put them out of their misery once they've suffered enough. This one seems to be the latter of the two."
"So he's been leaving them along the roads as a display of what, his power?" I rolled my eyes, "How arrogant."
"It's more complicated than that." Halcyon said, "It's an assertion of dominance almost."
"Very animalistic..." I muttered.
"We're often compared to predators." He said, "So it isn't too far-fetched."
I read the paper further. It detailed the bodies having been strewn about the northern road, as well as the woods to the north as well, in the direction of Kygaron.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
"Could it perhaps be an invitation?" I questioned.
"I thought the same," Halcyon said. "It seems to be an invitation to find him or to hunt him."
"All the bodies line the north road, so wouldn't it make sense that his lair would be in that direction?"
He nodded, "But the north woods stretch for miles; even with all my scouting, we'd still be searching for weeks before we find him. And that's assuming he stays in the same place."
"That does present a problem," I said, pinching my chin. I recalled a lesson I learned once through the increasingly foggy haze of memories from the Arcanex. Many of the dark races are experts at staying hidden, as their energies and life force are inherently different from other races. "Perhaps... I might have a way."
"Oh...?" he questioned.
"Have you sensed the presence of... blood magic?
His eyes widened. "I hadn't thought of that. Of course, most lesser vampires do not have access to such power."
"Most." I said, "Just give me one moment." I took a seat on the ground. "Sit with me."
Halcyon sat down in front of me. "What are you doing?"
"Your eyesight would be unparalleled when compared to my own, but there are things neither of us can see. I am going to remedy that."
Falling into meditation, I focused on the ambient energies around us. Picking up on the particles of magic and ancient energies, the remnants of creation. Reaching into this haze as if grasping for a rope, I touched a dark energy. "Sight of Aether." I shouted.
Our eyes burst open to a haze of energies around us that could now be seen like clouds of beautiful colors, both dark and light, like glimpsing into the cosmos.
"This... this is..."
"Creation laid out before us," I said.
With focus, the energies began to dissipate, honing in on the one we sought. An evil energy, which took the form of streams of ethereal red, flowed along the air."
"This is him..." Halcyon said.
"Yes." I nodded, "This will lead us right to him. But the effects only last a few hours..."
The night had grown longer, and I began to feel more weary than before. "Apologies... my abilities take a lot out of me at times. I fear I've overexerted myself today."
"In any case... it'd probably be best to do this in the morning. At least we'll know he'll be in his lair by then." He said.
"I agree...." I said. "Are you sure you do not wish to rest?"
"I shall be fine."
"Oh... well, alright. Is there anything you need before I lie down?"
"No, I plan only to strategize for tomorrow. Better we have a plan for when we fight him than just walking in blindly." He seemed to think for a moment, "Are... you sure you wish to do this with me?"
"I am," I said, lying down.
He got up and sat down against the base of the chest, propping himself up against it. "Thank you... Sebastien, sleep well."
Sleep came to me quickly, and the void of dreams fell upon me like a hammer. The memories from the Arcanex were leaving me swiftly, and even through sleep, I could feel the emotions that come with great loss. Faces of past friends... lovers, teachers, and even rivals, all replaced by what was slowly becoming my new life. Were my days there truly so inconsequential? Would I become someone different? Would these questions even matter? A voice came to me in my slumber, whispering comfort into my mind, words of assurance, that I am who I am. I could feel a great sadness... and then a great relief. What could it all mean?
The following morning, I awoke to a rowdiness on the floor below us. Halcyon stood against the door with his ear pressed up to it. "It's coming from the parlor. Some guards, perhaps; it's hard to make out their words."
"Should we go down?" I asked.
"Yes... I think so," he said.
We gathered our belongings in preparation for our hunt and made our way down the steps. A tightly gathered crowd of common folk stood in the middle of the parlor, a small circle cleared in the middle with a group of individuals, armor-clad, shouting an announcement.
"Patrons of Elm's Leaf Respite, we come bearing sad tidings." An armored woman says.
Halcyon pulled me aside, "Sebastien, do you recognize them?"
"We should stay back here," I said, sticking to the outer edge of the crowd. It was the ones who hunted him.
The armored woman spoke up again, "The monster has made 3 more kills as of an hour ago."
The crowd quieted as she opened a scroll.
"Anis Morrianne, Dalen Morrianne, and their father, Garick Morrianne, were murdered brutally just outside their farm."
Whispers and muttered words of anger echoed through the inn. Three more dead; anyone would feel grief.
"This has gone on long enough," she said. "I grew up here... Elm has always been my home, and though I've lived in Kygaron for many years, my heart still resides here with all of you. I promise that we will end this." She pulled a sword from its sheath. "We have rooted out this vampire and found its lair. It can hide from us no longer!"
The crowd chants in unison with her words, "No longer! Kill the vampire!"
"My men and I shall bid you farewell for now... but when we return, we shall bring the head of this beast and feast in celebration of our once again safe home!"
Each and every patron cheered in unison, her words igniting a proud confidence in the people.
"With me, men!!" Her troupe followed, unsheathing their swords behind her as she strode out of the inn.
"Seven men and one too command them," I said, "Do you think they can do it?" I asked Halcyon.
"They're already dead," he said.
As the cheers of the crowd died down and they dispersed, the lady from the front desk beckoned us over with an unenthused expression. Halcyon scoffed.
"Will you be staying another night or checking out?"
"Eager to have us leave, are you?" I joked.
She stared into my soul.
"Checking out..." I said awkwardly.
Halcyon went to stand by the door as I signed out. "Thank you for staying at Elm Leaf's respite," she said with no emotion. "Safe travels." She waved her hand once more, hurrying me to leave.
"Old bitch," Halcyon said as I approached him.
We left the inn to rather scorching weather. The air was heavy and muggy, the only relief being the shade provided by the village's massive elm tree, but even so, it was almost hard to breathe.
The streets were barren, likely due to the fear of the vampire turning people into hermits. Even the stalls and shops were closed. Until the monster was slain, it seemed nobody would come back out... unless for a drink at the inn, I chuckled to myself.
We made our way to the north gate, greeted by the same guards who welcomed us from before.
"Ah, familiar faces, how did you find your stay?" the older, deep-voiced guard asked me.
"It was, well, the inn was very comfortable." I said.
"Glad you could find a room." The younger one said, voice slightly lighter.
The old one held out his hand."Name's Captain Samuel, and this is my son Nathaniel. We apologize for our attitudes before."
"Nice to meet you both," I said as they shook my hand.
"I trust you've heard of the attacks along this road? Travel isn't safe at the moment." Nathaniel said.
"We know," Halcyon spoke up.
"It'd be better to stay another night, at least until those hunters dispatch the beast."
"Those hunters are going to die." Halcyon spoke up again, but angrily.
There was a short silence, and the commander spoke up, "You both don't plan on... fighting it yourselves, do you?"
Halcyon and I looked at each other.
"Gods, you do?" Nathaniel asked.
"Yes." I nodded.
The father and son looked at each other and then back to us and then let us pass.
"We shall... say a prayer for you both." The commander said.
Halcyon and I departed from Elm, and its shade, stepping into the scorching sun. Halcyon's face contorted into a frown.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"I'll be alright... it's just... bright."
The flat plains that surrounded the village stretched for but a mile, and soon we made our way into the northern woodlands along the road to Kygaron, a vast forest of tall pines with bare trunks and no growth on the forest floor save for the dead brown pine, which coated it. Eyes watched us; we could both feel it as we passed through further. The canopy grew so thick after a while that it seemed to already be night.
"We're most definitely in the right place." Halcyon said, "I can almost smell his magic."
"Blood Magic?"
"Yes," he said.
"It's time I use it then." I said, standing steadily in place. Once again, I focused on the ambient traces of magic around us, "Sight of Aether." I whispered.
The trail of evil magics floated like a bloody cloud, leading us further into the woods... darker and deeper.
"This energy is most definitely him," Halcyon said, "I can sense it almost as well as we can see it. It seeps into this place."
"Like a disease," I said, "We should keep moving."
Along the road we happened upon a farm, rather small and eerily empty; the scent of rot hung on the air. "Morrianne farm, I would guess," I said, as we stepped closer, Halcyon following closely behind me.
Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a livestock farm, though devoid of any animals. The fences that held them were broken and toppled, with stains of blood on the dirt and foliage.
"This doesn't bode well," Halcyon said. "Normal vampires would not feed on animals."
The door to the farmhouse had been broken from its hinges, lying a few feet from the doorway in two jagged pieces, splattered with blood. Halcyon held his hand over his mouth, almost looking sick, but his eyes glowed deep with red.
"Will you be okay?"
"It is nothing I can't resist... please, let's continue." He said.
Entering the house showed a grisly display. Everything was in shambles, hardly showing that somebody lived here at one point, and it was apparent that the family had been dead for some time before anyone noticed.
"God's," I said, choking on the scent.
"This is not the work of him, I'm afraid, but his influence remains. This was because of him."
"It almost looks as if a beast caused this... some kind of animal."
Halcyon remained silent.
"Let's continue," I said, "There's nothing else to be found here."
The cloud of red led deeper into the woods, off the beaten path. It seemed to get darker as it stretched further into the voided woods.
We pushed on, an eerie feeling gripping at my chest. Halcyon stood still not more than a foot away from me, as if watching my back, an apprehensive expression on his face.
The feeling of eyes watching again fell upon us.
"Do you feel that?" I asked.
"Since we entered," Halcyon said.
Fog began to roll in, enshrouding us in confusion as the way forward seemed to grow faint; even the cloud of red, which led us, was blanketed by the fog.
A savage sound of inhuman growls and rustling movements echoed incoherently; one could not place the direction.
Stillness then pervaded the atmosphere as the fog shifted lightly.
"Thralls!!!" Halcyon shouted.
From the fog leapt a corpse-like monster gnashing its teeth and snarling. Its fangs apparent in its beastlike expression, blood splattered across its face and body. It lunged at Halcyon, who dove to the side just in time.
"Watch out," he shouted to me.
Another lunged from the mists, this one much smaller and more agile. I dodged, and it lunged again to my surprise. "Repel," I shouted. Its assault was halted, and it was blasted away by an invisible force in front of me, clearing a path in the fog, which quickly filled in again.
As the fog grew thicker, the two of us were back to back. "We'll have to fight. Can you defend yourself?" I said.
"I shall do my best." Halcyon growled.
I held my hand out in front of me, "Manifest, oh Magispear." Within my hand materialized an ornate spear, adorned with a blade of vibrant steel decorated with a deep red gem in its center. It held heavy in my grip as I slipped into a defensive stance.
"Now come..." I yelled.
Simply put... should I eventually bring back the Innkeeper lady as a recurring character.
