It’s a Long Road

The addition of your undead guard slows your travels. You are tempted to end him and speed things along.

Ultimately, you decide to keep him. You will need an army to destract the Druids.

As you ride, you close your eyes and see through the eyes of your vassal.

——————————————————————

Vilma arrives at the royal stables. The stablehand eyes her horse suspiciously.

Vilma meets the old woman’s gaze, bending her will.

“My horse is perfectly normal. You will stable her away from the other horses and feed her fresh meat. You will tell no one.”

The mesmerized stablehand simply nods.

Vilma exits the stables grinning, her bright white fangs shining in the moonlight. She heads toward her quarters. The night is young and she needs to find her ladies in waiting. They were each selected for political alliances and specific skills.

She needs to find Ceril first. She chose the slim freckled redhead for her uncanny ability to build spy networks from her peasant connections. Leaving her free would create potential dangers for her, especially given her closeness with the sisters of light.

She finds the night invigorating and, were it not for fear of discovery, she’d use her powers to travel more swiftly,

She slips back into the palace, greeting the night time guards. Instead of heading to her room she heads for Ceril’s.

She stands outside the girls door. With her enhanced hearing Ceril’s heartbeat and steady breathing are apparent. Vilma grins. She is asleep.

She opens the door. A bell by Ceril’s head jingles. Ceril is standing with a dagger in hand before she can even step inside.

Vilma smiles, with stealth out, charm will have to do.

“It’s just me, Ceril.”

“Milady, what are you doing up at this hour?”

Vilma gracefully slinks toward her prey.

“I just returned from my mission.”

“What of Calamaria? Will you recommend sending troops?”

Vilma meets her gaze and places a hand upon her shoulder.

“Relax, Cyril, the mission went even better than expected. Just relax.”

Ceril relaxes. “Your eyes are so strange.”

Vilma moves with her now preternatural quickness, sinking her fangs into Ceril’s neck. She stifles Ceril’s scream with a clawed hand. Vilma savors her sweet, innocent blood, taking her time draining it.

Soon Ceril’s struggles grow weaker and her heart barely beats. Vilma releases her and slits a gash in her wrist. Black blood seeps out. She holds it to Ceril’s mouth.

Ceril manages to spit the black blood out. Vilma laughs, grabbing the back of Ceril’s head and holding her mouth tightly to the wound. She struggles weakly as Vilma’s blood drips into her mouth. Vilma laughs as she sees Ceril swallow.

Ceril’s body falls to the ground as Vilma releases her. Vilma watches as Ceril’s skin pales. A layer of sweat gives her a sexy sheen. Her breasts grow and strain against her white silk nightshirt. Her eyes flicker open the baby blue replaced with a glowing red.

She rises, to her feet defying gravity. Her fuller, darker red, lips curl into a smile. You watch her canines grow inhumanly long.

“Hisss!”

The sound is like escaping steam, music to Vilma’s ears.

“Ceril, my mission went so much better than expected. I encountered Malena the Bloodthirsty, the Dark Lord’s bride, and my Mistress. She gave me the gift I have given you.”

Ceril licks her lips. “Thank you, Milady. This gift is most wonderful. We must plan.”

—————————————————

The smell of life brings you back. There is a village ahead.

“Are you ready, Yona.”

“I am, Mistress, I thirst.”