Part II

15

A Pirate's Life for Me

 I continued to travel East through England for about six weeks doing my best to cover my tracks.  During my journey I learned how to use the new gifts I had discovered through vampirism and other inherent traits I possessed as a Svartálfar. I learned how to control my cravings and perfect my attacks. Depending on my mood I would work for, steal or charm what I needed at the time.

 I had spent about a year of freedom in Liverpool, England, before I was press ganged onto a merchant ship called 'Experiment' owned by the Royal Navy. I was walking down the docks towards the tavern I was rooming at and was knocked out from behind. When I woke up we were far out at sea.  I will tell you, as you are now well aware, I have been close to death, tortured and poisoned, but I never had been so sick in my life, up to that point at least. Very much like dwarves I don’t think elves were ever meant to be at sea.  The ship was infested with rats, which I fed on which helped me get over the sea sickness a bit quicker. I was able to blend silently into the background, doing my work along with the rest of the crew. Because of my size and that I looked pretty young, I was placed to work with the cook in the Galley. I hated it. The man in charge, Captain Cornet was a wimp and had no control over the crew. For the next three months I did my best to stay to myself. I was actually thankful the day we were attacked by pirates near Cape Lopez.  It was mid morning on June 5th 1719, when their ship approached us with a merchant flag flying. We had barely any time to defend ourselves when the first volley of canons went off. As they began to board the ship, I did my best to fend off the coming onslaught of pirates. Captain Cornet cowered in his quarters as the rest of the crew gave up easily. They didn't have much fight to begin with being a crew of drunkards. The Captain, and surviving crew were all taken prisoner and brought back onto the pirate ship called “The Fortune ''. The Captain of the ship's name was Bartholomew Roberts. We were given the choice to either join his crew willingly or be forced into service until the Captain felt fit to release you. 

After our capture we sailed to Anamboe to acquire fresh water and other provisions. While there the pirates took a vote as to where to sail next, the East Indies or Brazil.  Brazil won the crews vote. As we sailed South, I got to learn more about my new captor and his ship full of rouges. I had been at sea barely several months and really had no clue what a pirate was. All I knew was we were told they were horrible folks and to protect the ship at all cost. Captain Roberts was a very tall, stout, man with a darkened complexion from many years at sea. He took a fondness to me pretty much the moment I stepped foot onto his ship for some reason. He had watched me try to defend the Experiment almost alone. Noticed how I held my own easily, for one so young.  After dinner one evening I was ordered to his quarters. Nervously, I walked in, head bowed, eyes fixed to the ground. Rhavan's discipline was still steadfast, and here I showed it to this pirate. A human I barely knew. This caught his eye as he gestured for me to sit at the small dining table he was eating at. 

“How old are you lad?” he asked, pouring himself some tea. 

“I am unsure Captain Roberts Sir. I was taken from my homeland when I was young.”

“How long have you been at sea?”

“Perhaps a matter of months Captain Roberts Sir.”

“How did you end up on a British merchant ship?”

“Press-ganged Captain Roberts Sir.”

“Where did you learn to fight like that? I noticed you have a very unique style.”

My mind raced to come up with an answer that sounded believable. “I worked for a Lord for several years. He taught me how to fight.”  

He looked at me for some time. Sizing me up. “I need a cabin boy. I think I shall give you that position. Something tells me you are a loyal man and I need loyal men on this ship. How do you feel about life as a pirate?”

“I find it is a life I can get used to my Captain.” He smiled and then dismissed me. And that is how I became a pirate.

To be honest during my time on his ship I felt safe for the first time in my life. I know it sounds crazy for one to say they felt safe with some of the most murderous pirates that ever sailed the seas, but it's true. I was free from Rhavan, Maelstrom, and the rest of those who wished to hunt me for their own petty gains. No one ever asked where I came from, what my background was or what kingdom my loyalties lie. 

Captain Roberts had strict rules for his crew, but he also treated us all with respect and paid us well. Making us richer than our wildest dreams ever imagined. I found life at sea was also the most free I had ever felt in my entire life.  The lands I got to visit were just amazing. We sailed the Caribbean, the South African coast, from Brazil to Newfoundland. I never thought in my darkest days that there was so much out there.  At times I desperately missed Fenya and wished she were with me, but somehow I always knew she was close by.  I think the South Sea Islands in the Pacific ocean was my favorite place to spend shore leave. We did a lot of trading with the natives there. The colors and fragrance of the flowers and plants on the islands were all new to me. The kindness the natives always showed us was unlike anywhere else in the world. The island girls were always fun to play with too if you get my meaning. These dark skinned and raven haired lovelies would do anything to please you. I felt like a king there. We all hated having to leave but the sea always called us back. She was a cruel mistress to serve. Our crew had many skirmishes with other ships and some unfriendly natives but nothing the lot of us couldn’t handle. I noticed Captain Roberts would watch me fight at times while in combat. It was the same way Slayer would observe me as we headed into heavy battle, like the proud parent. I would strike down the opposition as if they were nothing but small brush in my way cutting a clear path to our goal. I also never used my magic while in battle. There was no need to draw anymore attention to myself. It was better the humans knew as little about me as possible.  Now, I was just like one of them.  No better or worse just some guy out at sea making a living. 

Around January of 1720, we sailed the Rover to Devil's Island, which was off the coast of Guiana, to spend our ill gotten gains. It was a month of living like a King. The decadent foods and liquors I got to taste. The brotherhood I felt among these men was even more so than with House Acnar. We depended on one another for survival. And it was taken seriously. If a man failed to keep watch, or fight valiantly or raped another person, they were put to death. Captain Roberts did not deal with betrayal of any kind. After taking a sloop soon after leaving the island, our Captain chose forty men, me included, and went after a brigantine. He left our First Mate, Walter Kennedy in charge of the ship in his absence. Our sloop became wind-bound for almost eight days and were unable to capture the ship. By the time we were able to sail back to the Rover, she was gone. The crew and treasure, all gone. Needless to say this enraged Captain Roberts. From this anger came new articles and a pirate code of eleven rules his new crew swore of the Bible to uphold. 

We continued to sail all up and down the coast of the Caribbean, sacking and burning more ships I could count. During this time I saw a lot if violence and harm done to innocent people. It bothered me greatly, since our Captain preached the word of God to us on every Sunday. I often wanted to say something, but one never questioned Captain Bartholomew Roberts.

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16

The Mary Jane

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The nightmares had stopped and I started to forget my life on land. We had been at sea for over a year when we reached Sierra Leone. When the ship arrived in port on June 12, 1721, Captain Roberts pulled me aside and handed me new orders. I would be joining the crew of a ship called “The Mary Jane”. He told me it was a merchant ship and I would be the cabin boy to a gentleman named Lord Captain Daryl McGuiness. This Captain was a very close friend of his and that he was in need of a good man. I was not very happy about it. I loved working on that ship. He and the rest of the crew treated me well. I didn’t want to go. He noticed the look on my face as I read my orders. “Look my boy, I will be honest with you since you are one of the few of my crew I actually trust. There are two heavily armed Royal Navy ships, the “HMS Swallow” and the “HMS Weymouth” out looking for us. You’re a hard worker, a good pirate, and a loyal man too young to die at the end of some gallows rope. Take this chance and have a good life my boy. There is room for you to grow on “The Mary Jane”. I will make sure your trunk with all of your belongings arrives at the tavern by tonight.”  

He handed me a decent sized pouch full of gold coins and jewels. Patted me on my back and sent me on my way.  I was a bit heartbroken leaving that ship. Saw a lot of action and looted a lot of ships during that time. I never kept much of what I was given as my part of each conquered boat. I had no need for fancy things on a ship, although I did hold onto some of the nicer clothing. If Rhavan did teach me anything it was to enjoy the finer things in life. And Captain Roberts reinforced it. I just felt no need for them at sea. Perhaps someday when I tired of her I would settle down in the South Sea Islands and take a native girl for my wife for a time. I really never put much thought into it. And now I had to go work for a Lord. I was not looking forward to this at all.  I wasn’t too keen on the idea at first, being told what to do constantly, being at another Captains beck and call. But I reluctantly obeyed my orders and headed to the tavern to meet with my new Captain, to get cleaned up, eat, get drunk, and a nice bed to sleep in and in that order.

When I arrived at the tavern the crew of the Mary Jane seemed to be enjoying themselves drinking and laughing. They also seemed very well known and very well received at this particular tavern.  Lord Captain Daryl McGuiness wasn't too hard to spot. He wore a bright red sir coat and a leather brimmed hat. Not the type you would expect a Captain much less a Lord to wear. He was drinking and joking with the barkeep. I approached, introduced myself politely and handed my orders to him. He looked at me out of the corner of his eye as he read the letter. A huge smile came across his face and with a hard slap on the back he welcomed me to the crew. He was a tall man about 6'1 and had long curly grayish brown hair. Blue eyes and tanned skin from many years at sea. He had a ferocious appetite for adventure. A goodhearted man and a hard Captain to serve.  There was something very different about him and the rest of the crew. They were all fey creatures posing as humans. They glamoured so well none could tell the difference. Captain Daryl in fact was really a dwarf.  As the night progressed I was able to meet and get to know a little more about the rest of my new shipmates. There was Baroness Katrina D'mer, also known as Mad Kate, she was the daughter from a very rich merchant shipping family. She had a hunger for adventure and loved sailing. She was our benefactor and owned the ship we sailed on. Next was the Captain’s right hand man, and ship's liaison, Lord Thomas Graham and his mad counterpart Lord Monsterrod Von Hugenstein. Our mad Hobbit. To tell the difference between the two is simple, if his hair is pulled back, he was Lord Thomas Graham. If his hair was down, Monsterrod was out and you knew things were about to get very interesting. If someone needed something, he was the one to acquire it.  He was a great friend, brother and extremely fun to hang out with during shore leave. The schemes and ideas he would dream up were amazing. The navigator of the ship was another dwarf named Kronyk Dadkanoff. He took to the sea after he was cursed to be the size of a tall human by a Svartálfar Priestess so he couldn't return to his home in the vast mountains he came from. I was happy to see that he did not hold my race against me which allowed us to become close friends. Brothers forever in arms we have become. One of the most mysterious members of our crew was a Boatswain named Grinch who kinda came with the ship. No one really knows too much about him. But what we did know was that he was not human. He was a hard worker, cunning, and one of the most sarcastic bastards I ever met. The ship's doctor was a hard drinking hobbit named Dr. David Mouser. The second boatswain on the ship was a man named Kryimsson, nicknamed Aghx, for being the brute of the ship. He was a quiet but yet happy guy. Seemed older than the rest of the crew but his features didn't match the many centuries he had walked the earth. He looked about the age of about mid thirties, but his eyes were old. Very old. The Master Gunner they referred to as Despot, seemed familiar to me but I couldn't put my finger on it right away.  As soon as he saw me, he knew who I was. He jumped up and hugged me tightly. I couldn’t believe it was him. It was Apocalypse! We embraced each other again in a huge hug. He stepped back from me and checked me over. Standing before him was a young man who had been through some shit and looked it. My face had matured a bit and my skin tanned from the years at sea. My light bluish gray eyes looked even more pale against the darkness of my skin. My hair was long and still a strange swirl of purple, blue and white coloring. I hid it by keeping it braided and under a sash wrapped around my head. I was fit and strong. I wore rings of gold and gems on my fingers, a leather hat with a small muskrat skull on the front and snake vertebrae around the base of it. I made a fine pirate.

“What happened to you? We sent out scouting parties in all directions after they took you. But, we were unable to find any trace of where you had gone. Ah, my boy! I am so glad to see you!” He exclaimed with a tight hug. I was so happy to see him. Maelstrom had me convinced everyone was dead. I should have known better. 

“Maelstrom and my previous keeper, the one who took me from the Svartálfaheimr, made a deal with a rival Queen of my family household.”

He nodded he understood. Apocalypse knew all about my background and the ways of the Svartálfar and their wars. “It seems after I had attacked her mother, a war broke out between many of the households and it ended up destroying the entire city. Queen Mitzeri's daughter Tristee, went to the Svartálfaheimr located under the Brecon Beacons in Wales. She was taken in by the Queen of the Deep. When I had been brought to her, she declared I was to be her patron and we were going to take over and rule the city. It was a miserable time let me tell you. Biding my time I eventually found my escape. In doing so, I set fire to a large part of the city as I fled. I have no clue what happened to the demon or Sire. Nor do I care to.”

“How did you end up all the way out here?” he asked tugging at my royal blue velvet, long coat with gold buttons and beautiful handmade trim around the cuffs of the sleeves.

“Ah, I was originally press-ganged onto a merchant ship out of Liverpool. We were captured by pirates, and well, as you know, either you join or die. Captain Roberts saw potential in me and made me his cabin boy. It was better than working in a galley. I got to see places I never thought I would. Different cultures, food, nature. Captain Roberts paid us well and I enjoy looking my finest when I can. The ocean is so vast. Harder for those who may be looking for me to find me.” I sighed with a smile and placed several coins on the bar ordering us more drinks.

 Apocalypse told me that he had gone to sea after the fall of House Acnar. There was very little left after the attack from the Svartálfar and Slayer decided to move on to new lands along with the other worldly creatures. I was really glad to see him.  I could tell right off  I was going to like it on this ship. I felt safe enough to relax, drop my guard and have a good time. I had no fears, no worries, not a trouble in the world. All seemed to be finally falling into place. I was reunited with Apocalypse and felt that I could let my guard down and began to enjoy myself for the first time in a long while. 

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17

Sire's Return

The women there in the bar were very inviting and soon found myself playing around with one in a corner booth. Things began to get a little hot and heavy between us and we decided to go grab a room upstairs for a bit. I went and rented a room for the night and told the guys where I’d be. I got back to the table to collect her and swallowed down the last of my drink. We had been there for quite a few hours and as we started up the stairs to the rooms I began to feel the effects of the alcohol.  By the time we reached the room I was starting to have a very hard time keeping my balance. I had to lean on her for support. We stumbled into the room and we collapsed on the bed in each other's arms. She kissed my chest as she slowly unbuttoned my shirt. My head started to get real foggy and I tried to sit up but couldn’t move. I looked up at her puzzled. She just laughed at me. I couldn’t move or speak and my vision began to fade. My heart raced as I tried to figure out what was happening to me. Cold fingers reached out from the shadows and caressed my face. The hand then moved down to my chest cutting deep into my skin with sharp nails. Blood flowed from the fresh wounds as a creature shrouded in black fog leaned in and fed. After a few minutes of feeding it stopped and spoke.

“Ah, Nienar, my lovely, it’s so nice to see you again. I missed you so very much. I must hand it to you, you were not easy to find. You have gone to great lengths to stay away from us but I knew sooner or later I would find you. I always do, my child. We are forever connected by blood. While you were off on your little pirate adventures I did a lot of research on your kind and I think I have finally found a way to keep you with me. And when I’m finished with you, the only way you will ever be able to walk this earth again is if I allow it. And mind you boy the operative word is, IF.”  

It was him! It was Rhavan! How did he find me? How did he know I would be here at this port? My mind raced for a way out. He placed a vial to my lips and forced me to drink the liquid. I choked as it flooded down my throat. After the third vial it felt like I was dying. A feeling I didn't miss. My heart started to slow and my breathing became smothered.  Just as Rhavan finished pouring the last of the liquid down my throat, there was a loud pounding at the door. Angered at being interrupted he ordered the girl to get rid of whoever was at the door. I recognized the voice right away. Somehow I was able to get out a small moan. As Rhavan kept one hand on my mouth pinning me to the bed he yelled at the person at the door to leave. Kryimsson pushed her aside and walked into the room. He grabbed Rhavan and spun him around to face him. I noticed right away that they recognized each other. 

“Unhand that boy now!” Kryimsson growled at him.

He froze as he stared at Kryimsson. He released his grip and disappeared into mist. The red headed girl fled the room. 

“Kid? Kid, did you know him?”

I wanted to answer him but could not find my voice. I think he noticed the scar on my chest and something clicked in his head. My heart was beating slower and slower by the minute and it was getting harder to breathe. I was so tired. I just wanted to sleep. I grabbed weakly onto his shirt as I felt my body stiffen. 

“What’s wrong, why are you dying. What did he give you?”

I was able to glance over to a vial on the floor. He picked it up and tasted a drop of what was inside. Panicked he rushed back to me.

“How much did he give you? How many? Please kid, answer me. Find a way to answer me.”

My hand rose slightly and I was able to show him three fingers. A sad look came across his face. Like he had no choice in a decision he never wanted to make. He locked the door and pulled up a chair sitting besides me. He took a deep breath and began to speak. I felt something in his voice pulling me closer to him, almost entrancing me, my will was now his. I was not afraid.

“My name is Kryimsson Joram Draco Giddeon. I am a vampire, among other things. I also am responsible for the one who just attacked you. I am responsible for Rhavan , I am my brother's maker. Not all of my mothers children were born vampires, some were reborn. My blood was fed to him as he was dying, so in a sense I am also his Sire.”

I just stared at him in shock. How could this seemingly humble creature be related to such evil as Sire. Anger swelled inside me as I struggled to stay alive. I closed my eyes trying to focus on fighting back the agony I was in. I could feel his stare still on me. He was about to know what very few did. 

“Sire. Wait, you called Rhavan Sire?

He must have read my mind, for I did not speak aloud.

“You're the one!  The one who he has obsessed over all these years. The Svartálfar who refused him, refused to stay with him and his brood. Ah I have heard of you my boy. There are a lot of vampires looking for you. Wise thing you did going to sea.”

Finally able to find my voice as I fought back the agonizing pain tearing at my gut. “Let me die. I’ve had a good two years of living, and if he is the only one who can save me then I don’t want to live. I will not go back there, to live in a box like a doll he takes out to torture. I’m so tired of looking over my shoulder, afraid to step foot on land in fear he would find me. He proved tonight no matter how long I am gone he will always find me, he always has.”  In that moment I felt defeated. I really didn't want to die. I just wanted to continue to live at sea, to be with my new found friends.

“Kid, listen to me. Rhavan was always troubled.  Stories of the horrors you endured at his hand have traveled through many vampire covens and I have also heard of the tortures you endured  at the hands of the Svartálfar and survived. I have the answers you seek my boy.”

I slowly opened my eyes. Looking at him I could tell he was sincere and I was getting weaker by the minute. I reached for him.

“I can save you. He is not the only one who can save you from this impending limbo you are about to cross over into. I promise you he will never harm you again. Let me do this for you, Nienar. You surviving and becoming my fledgling would be the greatest revenge you can have on him. Once I take you as one of my own he has no power over you. The paralyzing fear you feel when he is near will fade. You will be able to defeat him now and all those who threaten you.”

I can't remember if I was able to answer him or not, all went dark. I woke in severe pain back on the ship. I was so thankful to be off dry land. I felt safer there out at sea. Kryimsson was still by my side. The poison took a long time to leave my system, as it did when Apocalypse fed me after Sire’s attack on me at House Acnar. The bastard fed me vials of rotted blood. I was having a hard time adjusting to the power I absorbed from Kryimsson. It was nothing I had ever felt before. My magickal powers were becoming a bit troublesome at night when I had bad dreams. Once I even set my bed on fire. Luckily I woke in time and was able to put it out quickly. When I got angry, it swelled so quickly it felt like it would burst out of my body like a Drider.  In time with Kryimsson’s help I was able to control my newfound gifts. It was nice to finally feel normal, healthy, with energy. No one was trying to feed from me or take my energy from me. I thought I was finally happy. 

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18

Fighting Demons at Sea

Over the next five years I sailed, pillaged and plundered many ships with the crew of the Mary Jane. It wasn't hard, we sailed in a merchant sloop. It was the perfect cover. We were unsuspecting to fellow merchant ships and allowed us to get real close before attacking. Same with other pirate ships. They would fly their flags, we'd let them approach and fire on them before they could board our ship. It was a brilliant strategy. In a way you could say we had the upper hand with almost every ship we came across due to our inherent magickal and natural fey abilities. We would take what goods they had, whether it be food, rum, treasure, or slaves.  We would go to a safe port where our business was welcome. The slaves were offered a place in our crew or we would bring them to a free land. We did not believe in slavery and did all we could to liberate as many as we could. Needless to say, this eventually made us targets of those companies who made a king’s living off the sale of others. When we took a ship we did our best to not kill those we attacked. We would give the options of either joining our crew, or we would maroon them on an island. At times we would put the officers in a dingy and set them adrift. More often than not a passing ship would pick them up. If the ship was salvageable we would sell it for profit. If it wasn't, we would strip what we needed and burn the rest at sea.

During this time I had risen in rank of First Mate. I was a good leader when we went into a fight. Always held my own and would put myself between our wounded men and possible harm. Captain Daryl was a hard Captain to serve under. He had his own particular way of doing things, and was one who did not share his thoughts or visions often. At times it put the crew at odds with him, but we always found a way to compromise when needed. Ghosts from my past continued to haunt my dreams since Rhavan found me back in Sierra Leone. It had been years, but the fear was always at the back of my soul. It frustrated me to no end that this creature had such a hold over me. Even with Kryimsson’s mentoring, it didn't stop the feeling. When we would hit port I did my damnedest to run away from them by drinking, and smoking weed to escape the memories. Sleep began to elude me.  Then the day came, once we finally got back to port, I decided to see what the Opium dens were all about. I think we were somewhere near Singapore. The first time I rode the dragon I knew I wanted more and that it was something that I would have a problem giving up and it was. All my anxiety diminished and I could finally sleep without dealing with the nightmares. I could be with my love Fenya in my dreams. I could see what joys the future could bring. For once in my life I could just be me. No responsibilities, no one barking orders at me.  

  The pressures of the ship and my past demons drove me further into myself.  I started to spend more time in the dens when we would arrive at a port. I began to pull away from everyone around me. Kryimsson became very worried with his young fledgling’s behavior and tried to talk to me about how I was becoming more distant and despondent. 

One morning in the Summer 1726 after I had spent the night away from the ship, Kryimsson confronted me on my recent behavior.  

"You are starting to worry the crew. There is talk that perhaps they should replace you. You are better than this my boy. You haven't survived all that you have gone through to let it all go up in smoke." All I could do was hang my head in shame. 

“Doing this to yourself only proves that Rhavan still has a hold over you. You're giving into the demons that haunt you. I know pressures as of late are really wearing on you, but you need to find another way to cope. You know if you ever want to talk I'm here.”  I nodded yes, still hanging my head.

After our conversation, I went to my quarters and thought about what Kryimsson had said to me. I felt like I was becoming a disappointment to my friends. I felt I was letting everyone down because I couldn’t handle all that had piled on top of my shoulders, and they could see it.  And to be honest, for one so young I had shouldered a lot of responsibility and past trauma that I didn't know how to handle. Everything began to swim around in my head, I had to get out. Restless I left the ship and walked the docks of Dublin. After about an hour something came over me and I decided to go to the den despite Kryimsson’s wishes that I should stop. The dragon called to me. I needed to stop my brain, for just a short while I told myself. It's a very dangerous thing when the drug tells you what to do. It's worse than being under any cruel Master or Mistress. As soon as I got there I handed the gentleman my coin. A pipe was filled and I laid down on the soft mat on the floor, letting my head rest on a small pillow. I took deep draws off the pipe and to my dreamland I drifted. 

Unaware of time, I was pulled from my drugged stupor by something pulling at my arm. I tried to ignore it, but the pulling got stronger. I groggily opened my eyes. Two large men I had never seen before were dragging me to my feet. I fought hard but they were physically stronger. One placed a burlap sack over my head. Then his head butted me hard knocking me out.

I awoke gagged and bound on the floor of a coach. The sack, still covering my face. With a quick tug it was lifted off. My vision was a bit blurred still but soon I was able to focus on the figure sitting above me. Our eyes locked. I let out a gasp of terror. It was Rhavan. “Oh, Gods, not again.” I thought to myself.  My heart stuttered as it became clear to me that perhaps, there would be no escaping this time. I still was under the effects of the opium and I couldn't think straight. He looked down at me, grabbing me by the bindings and growled at me, I looked back at him terrified because I had no clue how he found me. Bothered by how I looked at him he stomped down on me hard several times in the side cracking my rib. I'll tell you it didn't tickle. I started having trouble breathing and the gag didn’t help matters much. I gasped for air as Rhavan grabbed my hair tilting my head back in his direction. Fear, anger, and pain raged inside me as I stared at my worst nightmare. 

“You thought you could still hide from me at sea? I thought you learned that back in Sierra Leone. You did get lucky last time because my brother spoiled our fun. But not this time. I told you I would own you until your last breath on this earth and I plan to take that from you also. No one will ever hear from you again until I decide.  Ah, forgive my manners, let me introduce you to your new fledgling brothers, my absent son. The tall blonde is Raphael, a very loyal fledgling. The other next to him, the redhead is Morgan, he too is very loyal and quick to do my bidding.”

I struggled against the binds that held me as Rhavan came in to feed. His sharp fangs dug deep into my throat. Once he had his fill he allowed the other two male vampires to feed from me until I could feel my heartbeat slowing. 

Again I awoke still bound and gagged still in the coach. I was really tired and my ribs were killing me. I still tried to get loose from the ropes but they had me tied tight. They pulled me out of the coach and threw me to the ground hard, knocking the air out of me.  I tried to crawl away from my tormentors the best I could but it was futile. I could see tombstones and above ground burial vaults all around us. One of the vampires just laughed and kicked me again in the ribs, tossing me onto my back. Raphael grabbed me up by the shirt and proceeded to beat me. They pummeled me so badly I was pretty much unrecognizable by the time they finished with me. They picked me up and brought me to an open vault. Rhavan instructed them to place me onto an altar that was at the far end of the vault.  I could barely breathe. Blood flooded my lungs and could feel my body was broken beyond being able to heal myself enough to fight off what Rhavan was about to do to me. My breath came in smothered gasps. The ropes had dug deep into my wrists.  Rhavan grabbed me by the face, coming in close so he knew I would hear what he had to say to me. In a voice I had never heard, with great anger he spoke as I lay in utter agony.

“You're absolutely pathetic. You are a powerful willful child of the Svartálfaheimr who brought on the destruction of the very last two cities of the Svartálfaheimr, and yet, here you lie. No one is coming for you my boy. I am going to send Raphael to join your crew. Then he will take over your beloved Captain’s ship and burn it with all still aboard out at sea. Do you have anything you'd like to say before we put you deep in the earth?” 

He laughed wickedly in my face. He pulled the gag out my mouth, I gasped for air as I spit the blood from my mouth at my tormentor. Rhavan grabbed me by the hair and slammed my head down hard against the marble altar knocking me out cold. A small pool of blood seeped out from under my head. He approached and began to recite the words from a book he was holding. As he continued on speaking he came to realize that whatever he was trying to do wasn't working and got very angry. He grabbed my nearly dead body off the altar and screamed at me.

“Give it up to me boy! Give up and stop fighting me. I will not let you be free from me ever and if I can not possess you by my side, then you will no longer see the light of day or feel the ocean breeze again until you bend to my will. And if that takes forever, then so it shall be!”  

I laughed at him weakly. This angered him more than he already was and he threw me across the vault like a rag doll. I hit the wall with a sickening thud and slumped to the floor. I could feel my body giving up. I cried out to Kryimsson, but nothing but a garbled noise escaped. The vampires grabbed me up and threw me into a coffin and beat me some more as Rhavan had instructed them to do. They laughed as they watched me moan in agony and shut the lid. 

“I hope you like the coffin, it was made just for you. You will never escape from me ever again. Welcome home Nienar, welcome to your new home my son.”

I tried to stay calm as they nailed the lid shut. I could feel them lift it up and place it into something solid. I knew they were placing it into one of the catacombs in the vault. I wanted to kick the lid open but I had no strength to even lift my legs. It felt as if one of my arms were broken. I heard Rhavan speaking something in the Svartálfar language. I felt something scurrying up my legs and there were was lots of them. Suddenly it hit me. It was a swarm of spiders filling the coffin. I tried to scream but nothing came out. I couldn't move, or call out for help. I was completely paralyzed. As they approached my chest I was able to grab a ring I had around my neck I found years ago in Rhavan's castle. I held onto it tight, spinning the middle of it as they covered my face. I tried desperately to brush them off but they just kept coming. I was finally able to let out a terror filled cry as I could hear Rhavan and the vampires laughing at me. They shut the tomb and Rhavan left to go on with his plan to take over the ship. 

I'm not sure how long I was shut away in that tomb with the swarms of spiders crawling all over me. I do remember be lifted back out and the lid opening. I still held onto the ring. I couldn’t move very much, I was in excruciating pain and still was convinced that I was covered in spiders and I could still hear Rhavan laughing at me. I felt hands gently lift me out of the coffin, but I could not tell if they were there to harm me further. I was placed onto the floor and I tried to pull myself away from the dark figures before me. My head was pounding and I couldn't see anything but shadows. Was this more of Rhavan’s game to break me and throw me further into insanity? Was it more vampires to finish me off?  My mind swam with terror and I tried to crawl away from those in front of me. With every move I made the deeper the rope ate into my skin. My eyes were swollen shut and nose broken. I could not feel any energy from the beings in the crypt, I was in such a state of panic I tried to fight the hands trying to help me. Someone took my face in their hands and said in a soft calm voice,

“All is okay now. You are safe. No one here is going to harm you. It’s me, Kryimsson and Apocalypse is here too.”

   Immediately I went slack from fatigue. I was safe. I felt the binds loosen around my wrists and feet. My shaking slowed a bit and I turned my head towards the voice, I knew that voice. I knew it would cause me no harm. I wanted to speak but nothing came out. All I could do was mouth the words, “Thank you.” Knowing that we had to get back by nightfall the next day and I could clearly not walk back, Apocalypse stole a coach from a nearby village and we headed back to port.  We sat in silence as we rode towards the harbor. I lay on the other seat drifting in and out of consciousness. The ride took a matter of hours. As we approached the docks I awoke and told them I wanted to walk myself onto the ship. My body screamed in pain with every step, but my pride, I couldn't let my crew mates see me in such bad shape. I had to lean on Apocalypse for support as we boarded.  A shot of fear stabbed my heart for only a moment when I heard a voice speak to me in my head. "You say a word and I'll burn the ship at sea tonight". My knees gave out beneath me as I grabbed onto Apocalypse for support. I was in bad shape, and was brought down below deck to our ship surgeon Dr. Mouser to be stitched up.  The pain became too intense for me to hold back any longer. I let out a yelp as my ribs were forced back into place, along with my dislocated shoulder. After I was cleaned up the true brutality of the beating I received was clear. The extent of my injuries made it hard to believe I would ever be or look the same. Nothing I experienced in the Svartálfaheimr ever compared to this. Even with my healing abilities, I would forever have a scar under my right eye and one across the bridge of my nose.

Kryimsson had been by my side on an almost constant basis for almost twelve hours straight. He had duties he had to attend to on the ship and since I was resting comfortably he felt it was ok to leave me for just a short while. Someone was also waiting to see me since my return and snuck into the room as soon as he left. I felt someone come close to me and it wasn’t Kryimsson. I was vulnerable and unable to defend myself.  A hand slid across my throat and began to slowly squeeze. I gasped as the person whose hand was around my throat spoke.

“Well, well, well you survived after all. I must say you are a very lucky boy. I would not have ever believed  you would actually escape a sealed vault, until I saw you board the ship yesterday. There will be a time my fledgling brother that you won’t be able to escape the clutches of death's grasp and those hands will be mine, in due time brother, in due time. Until then you keep your mouth shut about your kidnapping. If you speak a word of it to anyone I will kill all your friends and burn this ship to driftwood at sea. Do you understand me?  He asked, gripping tighter around my throat cutting off my air. All I could do was nod that I understood. The vampire let go and took out the door before anyone noticed he was there. Kryimsson came back a short time later and saw instantly that I was panicking about something, but when he asked me what was wrong I just shook my head that nothing was wrong. Over the next few days I healed a bit quicker than expected. But my voice was still gone. It frustrated me to no end that I could not communicate.  

It was a stormy night far out at sea. A voice called my name, echoing through the ship. It was an angry one. It startled me out of my sleep. Frustration and anger took over my better senses and I grabbed my blade and pistol to find out what was going on. A scream came from the above deck and I realized it was Christoph, one of our young powder monkeys. I ran up to find Raphael trying to feed from the lad. I fired off a warning shot above his head to get his attention which it did. He let go of  the boy, and he fell to the deck unconscious. I prayed I wasn’t too late. With my sword still pointed at the vampire, I slowly walked over to Christoph to make sure he was still alive. After feeling a pulse, I smiled letting him know he failed. With eyes full of hatred he drew a sword and charged at me. I stood my ground, feeling strong enough to defend myself against the swinging blade in front of me. This creature may have been physically stronger one but I was smarter and quicker with a blade than my fledgling brother ever could be. Sparks flew as the swords clashed drawing a small crowd. Everyone watched in silence as the fight continued. I was clearly getting the upper hand and the vampire knew it. He dropped his sword and drew his pistol knowing my only shot was wasted, took aim. Something slammed into my chest knocking me back against the rail. I looked down and saw red seeping thru my shirt, dropped to my knees then fell onto my back. A collective gasp escaped the crew members as they were all on deck by now. Taking full advantage, Raphael charged towards me. Instinctively I grabbed his sword to deflect the oncoming onslaught. Blood poured from my hand. Clutching my sword, we continued to fight on as he prevented me from getting back to my feet. His blade sliced into my side and back as I rolled to get out of the way.  If I had been at full strength he would have never gotten this far. The clicking of many guns cocking echoed loudly in the stormy night air. All guns were drawn on the vampire. I was once again down on the deck holding the bleeding wound in my chest as my blood continued to burn through my body. 

Captain Daryl demanded to know what was going on as I slowly struggled to my feet, Kryimsson and Grinch came over to help me up. Christoph was a little shaken but no worse for wear. I looked at Captain and was able to in a hoarse whisper ‘treason.’  He asked me to continue on if I could. I did my best to tell him about how this vampire was behind my kidnapping and beating. I did leave the part out about Rhavan. I wasn't ready to deal with that yet. The man still had a frightening hold over me.  Just as I was about to tell the Captain Daryl about his plans to take over the ship and kill all of them on it, he broke free and ran me through the stomach with his blade. I was able to grab Kryimsson and Grinch’s pistols and took aim at him as he pulled the sword out. I shot and he fell back hard against the ship's railing slumping down to the deck. Both shots hitting him square in the chest. The vampire was mortally wounded but still alive, and was trying to reload his pistol. Kryimsson walked over and kicked it out of his hand. Struggling to my feet, my adrenaline pumping through me. I staggered over, picked up two swords and continued toward him. I placed one on each side of my fledgling brother's neck drawing a bit of blood. Fire raged in his eyes. I stomped down heavily with one foot on his chest pinning him against the railing. With a growl of hatred I had never encountered before came from his lips as he spoke to me. 

“You weak, little pathetic, dark elf, half breed vampire, living among the humans, hiding from what you are, running from who you really are. You are a disgrace to our coven and Father will not let you go that easy."  

I just looked down at him, tears of anger ran down my cheeks as I stared at him. He was right. They were never going to leave me alone. Twice Rhavan had found me and I was sure it would not be the last. I took both swords and with lightning fast reflexes cut off the vampire's head. It fell to the deck rolling to my feet. I looked down at the carnage in front of me. A great sadness hit my heart and dropped me to my knees burying my head in my hands. My emotions ran ramped from terror to uncontrollable anger. I grabbed up my sword and focused it on the headless body in front of me, running the sword through the body over and over. I grabbed up my fledgling brother's head and tossed it overboard into the sea. Suddenly I realized I was being watched. I attempted to compose myself the best I could, still shaking from all the adrenaline running ramped through me. I was still young back then and really had no control over the emotions I felt.  Kryimsson helped throw the rest of the body into the ocean. From out of nowhere I felt extremely dizzy. For a few moments there I had forgotten about the wounds I had which were pouring blood by this point. He caught me before I hit the floor. 

I was brought below decks to Dr. Mouser, where he proceeded to dig out the bullet that was right above my heart. Drifting in and out of consciousness as he stitched me up. Later that afternoon, Kryimsson came and let me feed from him to help quicken my healing. 

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19

Nightly Visit

During the next few weeks after the kidnapping I withdrew from the rest of the crew. I wanted to go back to the dens and escape, but I also knew that it wouldn't change or make it all go away. I was  having more trouble sleeping now than ever before. Rhavan haunted my dreams every night. They were so real that I would wake up with strange bruises or bite marks on my body. The lack of sleep started to wear on me and it began to show. My reflexes and quickness seemed to work against me a lot. During the last two skirmishes we had with passing ships I was barely able to hold my own. I can't tell you how frustrating it was becoming. Kryimsson noticed this and asked me if I was feeling alright. I told him I was fine and went back to my duties on the ship. I wanted to tell my friend of the nightmares I was having, but also felt it was something I had to deal with on my own. 

After one particularly rough night, I awoke to a sharp pain in my neck. I placed my hand where the pain was and it felt wet and sticky, I looked at my hand and it was covered in blood. Out of anger and exhaustion I yelled out into the darkness.“Rhavan leave me alone. I will never come back. Let me live my life at sea, you keep the land!”

My shouting awoke Kryimsson out of a sound sleep. He rushed with a sword in hand to my quarters. He flung the door open startling me and was met by my sword. We both took a deep breath and then chuckled for a minute. Kryimsson asked me who I was yelling at.

“Kryimsson, look, there’s blood on my hands. I woke up and I touched my neck and there was blood.”  I said, sounding a little worried, showed him my hands but there was nothing on them. I was completely confused. There was blood on them moments ago but now it was gone. 

“I’m sorry. It must have been another one of those dreams. I’m so sorry I woke you like that.” Bewildered, I sat back on my bunk trying to figure out what was happening to me. I felt like I was really losing my mind this time for real.  

Over the next few days I could tell Kryimsson was watching me closely. During one of his nightly patrols Kryimsson noticed a strange light coming through the crack of my door. He came in closer and could hear scuffling and then a loud thud. He flung open the door to find the light gone and me in a deep sleep on the floor. He picked me up and put me back in my bunk. I just figured it was just another nightmare. Kryimsson became very alarmed when he saw two fresh small deep wounds on my neck. He knew at that moment that Rhavan had somehow found a way to still get to me and leave the ship before he was discovered. I found out about all of this later. He didn't want to cause me any more stress than I was already dealing with and figured he could handle it on his own.

The following night Kryimsson waited until I was asleep and hid in the shadows of my room to see how exactly Rhavan was still able to continue to attack me without being detected. During the night he must have drifted off to sleep. He was startled awake by a strange gurgling sound. There before him was a woman in a flowing white see-thru gown, her hair raven black and piercing pale blue eyes, her lips red with my blood. She caressed my face and spoke softly to me, pulling me further under her spell. She continued feeding from me and tried to take the ring from around my neck. Kryimsson shouted out at the vampiress to let go, she turned and hissed, blood dripping down her chin and neck, and disappeared into a bright light and vanished. He walked the room trying to make sense of what he just saw. I still lay in my bunk in a deep dreamlike state. Kryimsson woke me carefully from the nightmare. Covered in sweat I took in a deep breath as I woke up. Kryimsson was still talking to me calmly. I nervously asked if it was Rhavan or was it just a dream.  He looked at me sadly and told me it was a woman vampire who attacked me in my sleep. A look of defeat came across my face as Kryimsson went on to describe what he saw. Now it made sense to me why I felt my reflexes and dexterity were working against me. The question now was how to stop Rhavan and his brood from getting to me and free me from him for good. What did he possess that held me tightly to him? 

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20

Rhavan's Revenge

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It happened to be late winter in 1727 when the Mary Jane set anchor in the Caribbean for some well earned vacation time off the ship. I was a little reluctant to leave, but Kryimsson told me I would be fine. He would be with me and no harm would come to me. We headed to a small bungalow outside of town that he owned. There he intended to make me face my fear and conquer it. Sadly he didn't realize the extent of the damage that was done and making me face my fears might just break me once and for all. But I also knew I couldn't keep living like this. After we put our provisions away and ate dinner, we sat and passed a pipe as we watched the stars above on the little front porch. Kryimsson asked me if I could remember anything about the kidnapping. I sat back and tried to think back to that day. A lot had been blocked out on purpose and I wasn’t quite ready to open that door yet.

“I do remember him saying something about a soul. He was angry and yelled something about someone owning a soul.” I answered, never taking my eyes off the stars above. 

I really didn’t want to talk about that day or any other time with Rhavan for that matter. I was a bit on edge now that I was back on land. It was easier for my old Sire to find me. Kryimsson figured that Rhavan was able to steal some part of my soul in order to have such a hold on me. He looked over at me, watching me staring up at the stars. I could feel him studying me. I took another long drag off the pipe, turned and gave Kryimsson a silly look. He laughed and asked, “Why did you give me that look.”

I answered, “If you have something to ask then ask it.” Kryimsson nodded in agreement and continued, “How did you come to be with Rhavan?”

  “I was set up for my sister's death. As they were about to execute me for the crime Rhavan appeared and killed the guard and the next thing I knew I was at his home in Germany. Later I found out that a rival family from the Svartálfaheimr had paid Rhavan a handsome sum to educate and culture me but it didn't quite go that way.” I said.

    Kryimsson passed me back the pipe and I took another drag. As I exhaled I said, ”Sometimes I wish I had died at the hands of the guard rather than to have had to be in Rhavans presence.”

Changing the subject a bit, I asked, “How did you find me back in Dublin?”

He pointed to the ring I wore on a chain around my neck. I always fiddled with it when I was deep in thought or nervous. “That ring, it belongs to me. I had lost it many, many years ago. When I noticed it around your neck, I knew it was safe. I will always be able to find you as long as you have that ring. Since I am not your true Sire, this is the only way. I am pleased you have it, and all the more because it led us to you. One of the boys from the opium den you were in saw you being dragged out and came and told us. With some meditation I was able to feel your presence. The ring did the rest when you spun the middle of it. Like a beacon.” Knowing that about the ring made me feel much safer and I felt myself physically begin to relax. I smiled at him and went back to watching the stars.

Later that same night a strange noise awoke Kryimsson from his sleep. He sat up and waited to see if he heard it again. A few seconds later the same strange noise came again. It was coming from the room I was sleeping in. He lit a lantern to give him lighting in the small dark bungalow. As he approached the room the noise got louder. He flew open the door to find me wrestling with the female harpy as she attacked me tearing at my arms and chest with her long nails. I tried to deflect her but she just ended up tearing me up  pretty badly.  She got in a good few swipes at my face as well leavening three deep cuts across my left cheek. Kryimsson shined the light towards her and she screamed so loud the windows shattered in the room as she disappeared into thin air. I was covered in blood, my shirt shredded. I jumped out of bed and started frantically pacing the room.  I looked at my arms then over at Kryimsson who stood silently as I yelled at him.

“Why won't he leave me alone? Every time I set foot on land, and not even just that anymore apparently, he's there! How does he always know where I will be?  That flying she beast is one of Rhavan’s concubines!” 

Kryimsson slowly approached me speaking to me in a soft calm voice.  I guess he noticed tears flowing from my eyes. 

  “Please Kryimsson, please help me. I can’t go on like this.” I said struggling to hold back my emotions. He looked down at me, I could tell his heart broke seeing me in such despair. 

“Help me. I give you my life, my honor, my pride, everything I possess. Please!”   

Kryimsson answered. “Of course I will help you. Why would you think I wouldn’t? Together we will rid the earth of his presence and all those he created. I have great guilt over what he has become and the horrors he has placed on so many.” 

I took a deep breath and tried my best to compose myself. I did my utmost to keep my emotions in check but the stress of the past few months and the lack of sleep was turning me into a waking mess. I walked over to the small desk under one of the shattered windows and sat in the chair and looked out the window into the night sky. “You know, when I was out at sea it was the first time I felt safe. Like I could just be me, whoever that is. I could just go about my day without having to look over my shoulder. Now I’m not even safe out there anymore. He has once again taken my safety away from me. He’s right, I will never escape him. We are forever linked, he will always hunt me down and he will always find me. I don’t fear him, I loathe him. But I fear what he can do to me. What he can take from me. He has taken everyone I love from me. Destroys what little happiness I find in this life. I need you to help me defeat Rhavan. I want my life back. I want to be safe. I want to be able to settle down one day without fear of him coming one day and taking it all away. Please Kryimsson, please help me. 

He looked down at me, "There are some things I need to know, so I can help find out what he has over you.”  

I shook my head no,“I can’t tell you, I can’t talk about it.” 

           Unable to look him in the eyes, I dropped my head down and stared at the floor. I felt dirty and ashamed for what Rhavan had done to me. I felt little and helpless and it sucked. I really had no clue how to deal with anything that had happened to me throughout the years I had been out of the Svartálfaheimr.  As I came out of my thoughts, I was looking down at the floor and noticed bloodied footprints. I looked around my and Kryimsson’s feet but there was nothing. Then I noticed blood on the glass on the floor. As I looked up to mention the bloody footprints, an arm quickly grabbed me, pulling me backwards off the chair. The feel of cold steel against my throat. I was thrown to my knees on top of the broken glass. My head was pulled back so I could see Rhavan, who was standing behind Kryimsson with a brood of about twelve vampires. A stiletto blade pressed against Kryimsson’s neck.

“Hello Nienar. Have you tired of this game of ours yet? I see you and my dear older brother here have become quite close.”  Rhavan laughed.

He took the blade and slit Kryimsson’s throat. I went into a rage as I saw him crumple before my feet. The others began to surround me, closing in. I fought hard as they sunk their fangs into me and started to feed. Quickly I gave up the fight and closed my eyes letting the darkness take me. I knew I had a better fighting chance if I did.

I woke to the feeling of hundreds of needles sticking me. I opened my eyes and my heart skipped a beat. I was inside the Iron Maiden back in Rhavans castle dungeon in Germany. The pain was becoming unbearable but I refused to give into it. I knew Rhavan was close by waiting to hear my cries of pain and torture, but I wouldn't give in. Somehow I was able to find my voice and call out to see if Kryimsson was close by. A laugh echoed off the cold wet stone walls of the dungeon, it was Rhavan. My assumption was correct. He stepped just within eye shot of me. I saw he was dragging Kryimsson, his body was beaten and broken. 

“Kryimsson.” I struggled to call out to him.

“Look at him, my son. He’s weak, he can’t protect you. I bet he promised he could protect you from me. Ha! You will learn boy, he never keeps his promises. He will kneel at my feet just as you will become my most prized fledgling. I have grand plans for you my boy. You will enjoy the new tortures I have come up with while you were gone.”

Dropping the body of Kryimsson he came over and opened the Iron Maiden. I fell hard to the floor, shivering from the cold stone floor and loss of blood.  Rhavan came in and kissed me hard, making my lip bleed. The vampire licked a small trickle of blood off my chin then clamped down hard on my throat. He picked me up, carried me out of the dungeon and back to his chambers. I was placed on a soft rug near a fireplace. I shook with anger and helplessness as the reality of what was about to happen hit me hard in the chest. I had no strength to defend myself, I couldn't even lift my arms to even try to fight off what was coming.  His hands caressed and smeared the blood all over my body as he continued to lick my wounds. He rolled me over onto my stomach. I buried my face into the rug, grabbing it tightly, trying to hide the pain and humiliation I felt. Suddenly a sharp, tearing pain soared through me. While still deep inside me Rhavan turned me onto my back once again. I struggled to hold back tears of anger.  He slapped me a few times and yelled at me for not giving into my emotions. I would not break. He quickly finished with me and placed a blindfold over my eyes and a gag in my mouth. I was being lifted by more than one set of hands and placed on a table with my wrists and ankles shackled. I screamed out in my mind for Kryimsson but I could hear nothing. Something horrible must have happened to him for him not to answer back. The shaking was getting worse as adrenaline took over. I struggled to escape the hands that were touching and groping at my body. The more they touched the more my senses heightened. I could feel myself becoming aroused, desperately I tried not to give into it, but it was no use. I had no control. Just as I felt as though I couldn't hold off any longer the searing pain returned, this time feeling more like something tore into me. I screamed into the gag as the pain worsened. During all this the hands continued to caress and play with me. I could feel my strength coming back and began to put up a good fight. Someone grabbed my hair preventing me from moving my head. A strap was placed across my throat lightly cutting off my air supply. A woman's voice whispered seductively in my ear. It was Tama.

“Don't fight it little pet, give into it, give into us. It's no use fighting us any longer. There is no one coming for you. Kryimsson will not be coming for you. Your crew are all back in the Islands off getting drunk and consorting with the native whores. They have much better things to do than come look for a dirty little dark elf boy. The more you fight us the more painful it will become. Now be a good boy and enjoy."  She said.

  At first I fought back against them with all I had, and the violence against my body worsened. My tears soaking the blindfold as I struggled to put the pain and what was happening far out of my mind. I cried out for mercy but they only laughed. My body finally gave up. I gave up. I began to think of Fenya, the way she laughed, the smell of her hair, the color of her eyes. The pain began to subside the more I thought of her. Soon all that existed was the two of us in my head. 

After some time Tama was left in charge of me while Rhavan was attending with other matters. She instructed the others to leave her alone with me. She removed the blindfold and gently turned my face to look at her, she saw my eyes were glazed over. She knew I would no longer be a threat in that condition. She was going to try and break me, make me bow to her, showing Rhavan that perhaps it needed a woman’s touch. Male dark elves are already submissive by nature, but we are also the hardest to break.  She whispered in my ear, "Mmmmmmmm, my sweet, tasty, young elf, I am going to make you kneel at my feet. Ah, Rhavan thinks he will possess you but he's wrong, you will be mine. I will have you catering to my every whim. I have grander plans for you pet, things that Rhavan can never give us." 

She grabbed me by the hair she asked, "Is that understood". 

I just weakly chuckled to myself. This in turn really pissed her off. I felt something razor like carving intricate designs into my flesh. I couldn't call out, all I could do was bite hard onto the gag. The more pain I was in the more it turned her on. The smell of my sweet blood was enticing her to feed from me again. I could feel her tongue slowly licking up the blood seeping from the fresh cuts. Her hands explored my body until she reached between my legs. Her fingers softly coaxed it awake and she was on top riding me. I was in such a dreamlike state I didn't know if what was happening to me was real or not. Tama began to move her hips quicker grinding into mine. I followed her lead. Instinct and my body took over, it didn't matter whether I wanted to have sex with her or not. As she came, she clamped her teeth down deep into my neck, which brought me to climax inside her. She took a nice long drink, weakening me once again. She climbed off of me and unshackled my wrists and ankles.  She was far from done with me and dragged me down the halls of the castle like a rag doll. A smear of blood on the marble floor following behind us. It brought on the horrid memory of the day Maelstrom destroyed House Acnar. The smell of rotting flesh invaded my senses and I knew at that moment I was in deep, deep trouble. With what little strength I could muster I was able to kick out of her grasp, stagger to my feet pulling off the gag to better defend myself .

"What do you think you're doing?" 

She sneered at me as she backed me down the hallway towards the moaning and wailing of those she planned to feed me to. I continued to back away until I bumped into someone standing behind me. It was Rhavan, I stumbled away from him now trapped between him and Tama. 

"What's going on here?" he asked in a stern voice. All Tama did was give him a sinister look and he grabbed me and threw me into one of the empty damp cells and shackled me to the wall allowing my feet to dangle off the floor. 

"Don't leave me here. Father!"  I begged him. The only response I got was a sharp blow to the head from the handle of his cane knocking me out. 

The scent of decaying flesh rushed my senses as I came to. I went to touch the spot on my head that was throbbing and couldn't. I was still shackled to the damp cold wall. As the room came into focus I saw the rotting corpse hanging on the wall across from me. I wanted to be sick, but there was nothing in my stomach to come up. I kicked at the rats as they tried to nibble at my feet. A few were crawling over my head and around my neck. I tried to call out but I was gagged. Panic took over as thoughts of what was going to be done to me at the hands of my captor flooded my mind. I knew where I was, in the depths of Rhavan's castle. No one would ever find me there. I knew this time I wasn't going to make it out alive. I struggled so hard blood ran down from my wrists and ankles from the shackles cutting into my skin. This just drove the rats into more of a frenzy and they began to come out of the cracks in the walls, covering the floor below me. I screamed in agonizing pain into the gag as they began to bite and nibble at my flesh. 

Rhavan came back to the cell that I was being kept in. A loud squeaking noise jarred me as the false wall moved away making an entrance. I was almost covered in rats fighting desperately to get them off me. As the light flooded in the rodents scattered out of the room. Rhavan cackled as our eyes locked while he stalked me across the cell. The vampire came in close, grabbed my face, removed the gag and kissed me hard on the lips. As he stepped back, I spit at him. He just laughed and spoke calmly as he wiped it from his face. "My sweet, sweet, son. I truly am tired of this game of ours.  I love you so much that I can never let you go. I will break you my boy and you will be part of my new coven. I have a new one by the way, and these fledglings have made me so proud. You've met some of them already. They enjoyed using your body for their pleasures."

I tried to speak but nothing came out. Rhavan took the heavy cane he had in his hand and repeatedly swung it hard against my side. A cry of agony escaped me. All I could do was watch as my Sire beat me until I fell into unconsciousness once again.

The glow from a large fireplace hurt my eyes as I was dragged towards the main hall still naked. It was decorated with tapestries and rugs, two throne-like chairs sat opposite the fireplace. Next to them was a table with floggers, hooks, knives, nails, and other implement of torture. There was another tall table, and a row of chairs along the wall. Slowly vampires begin to fill the room, sitting along the walls, about fifteen in all. Young teen girls and teen boys scurried around scantily dressed, serving wine and food to the guests. They must have been taken from the surrounding towns. I was held just outside the hall.

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