ALCANDER
*Wretch.*
"What?" Xavier roared as he angrily slammed the great oak door to his rooms, sealing us off from the rest of the encampment.
Xavier angrily paced the length of the living quarters as the fire crackled behind him, forcing his shadow to mirror his obvious discontent. He continued to glare at me as he moved, ceremoniously scratching the back of his scruffy head while he considers what to do with me. There is a slight surge of panic swelling inside as he vehemently shakes his head, undoubtedly reading my thoughts in search for an explanation for my cantankerous internal monologue. If I am to survive here, I must remember to be mindful of my thoughts lest he discover my true meaning. The sobering reality keeps me up most nights, constantly debating whether I can sustain this farce despite my limitations or even if I truly have the conviction to follow through with her plan. I can feel his eyes on me even though he has sulked his shoulders and turned his back to me. These quiet moments seem deafening. It would be easier if he bellowed and roared. As it stands, I am forced to reconsider the perpetual problem that has faced me whilst I have been here.
What is he thinking?
We stood in silence, locked together in this simplistic rustic cottage while my accusers laugh just outside the door. I listen helplessly to their boisterous chuckles, knowing full well that they believe their great reveal will cast me from my ivory throne of honor. *Will it?* Have I finally gone too far? The knot in my stomach tightens as he reaches for the poker, and I find myself holding my breath while he breaks up the embers. Once again, I fight the urge to run from this barren wasteland. Not that I would get far. Yet another caveat in this complex web of lies that I have built for myself. I have no exit strategy. I must make him believe or else suffer at his hand. I breathe a short sigh of relief when the laughter softens, signaling that my attackers have started their retreat into the depths of the encampment. Undoubtedly, they have gone to tell the others of my impending fall from grace. Xavier continued to stare into the now soaring fire, and through the dancing shadows on his face I notice a soft smile cross his lips. I relax my shoulders; perhaps I may survive another night at this encampment just yet.
To refer to the Assanbies headquarters as an encampment is an understatement and yet, such is the term used to describe it. The Assanbies are reclusive by nature, sedimentary by law. Encampments are permanent fixtures, and new ones are formed only when enough vampires have been brought up the ranks to allow the older members the opportunity to stake out new hunting grounds. However, new vampires are rare in the Assanbies clan, and often generations will pass without seeing the incompetent feeding frenzy of a fledgling. Despite the infrequency of fledgling vampires, remote seclusion and exclusive nighttime dwelling has allowed the Assanbies to maintain their significantly large vampire population intact and relatively unnoticed for over a millennium. With enough vampires to rival the Maenith clan, the Assanbies have remained the reigning immortal class in Eastern Europe.
Headquarters consists of a small collection of houses, located in the heart of Romania in what was once called, Wallachia, just south of the Southern Carpathians. To the outside world, the encampment appears to be not much more than an old, abandoned village and mortals remain largely oblivious to the fact that the main force is underground in a network of tunnels and grottos that were carved out of the landscape thousands of years ago. The houses are always abandoned, save for one; the elder's quarters are always maintained above ground as a façade to keep the encampment safe from encroaching civilization. From here, vampires can venture out in small troupes, keeping to the shadows while stalking stragglers that stayed out too long after sun set. Despite the modernization of its major cities, technological advances are still slow in coming to these remote parts of Eastern Europe, resulting in a pseudo-medieval, superstitious peasantry that still hangs garlic wreaths and wields wooden crosses. It does not help that the Assanbies vampires still frequent cemeteries, streams, and farmlands, continuously serving as the source for the dark fantasies that have thrilled local story tellers for centuries. There are quite a few encampments scattered in these parts, but this house is resting above the original settlement, which was established by Xavier long before the Stoker tale was whispered through the lips of mortal men.
The main house is simple and restricted to the ground floor, maintaining the peasant allure that attracted Xavier thousands of years ago. Granted there have been modifications to the infrastructure, reinforcements to keep its integrity and simple accommodations to keep invading mortal eyes sated. The main room is sparsely furnished, empty save for his desk, a handful of side tables and an armoire. The appeal is immediate; the balance of a hard rustic life with warm romantic living reflected in what little décor Xavier has allowed himself to keep over the course of his immortal life. His grand, maple desk faced the main entrance to the dwelling, sitting directly across from an old-fashioned wood fireplace that was encased in brick and sat upon a short step that extended outwards into the room. In many ways, the step seemed more like a stone couch with the mantle sitting high enough that it forced you to lean over precariously while reaching for it. The armoire and side tables were meticulously organized against the wall furthest from the door, each made from heavy wood. Nothing here stands out and yet no one could deny the appeal of its craftsmanship. When I first came to the encampment, I was struck by the simplicity of this place, thinking at first that Xavier was some sort of a barbaric vampire hobbit for living in such dregs. Over time, I have come to understand the power behind its simplicity, recognizing Xavier's complete control over his surroundings. Standing here at peace, knowing what horrors lie beneath my feet—it's perfect.
The sort of silence that makes you veer in the dark, fearful to see what might be lurking behind you in the shadows.
I had been warned about his power. His mind remains a dark abyss to all but a few vampires. Only a handful of elders can penetrate his defenses while he will always be able to pry information from the minds of those around him. So how have I managed to escape detection this whole time? The trick is to keep your mind open, or else you will conjure up images of everything you wish to keep hidden. Truth be told, it is impossible to keep your internal monologue stifled for weeks, much less months or years. No. To keep your mind a secret, it is best to allow your internal monologue to wander while directing it at anyone other than the true source of your frustration. Pick a target, anyone who could possibly have a grudge against you and let your mind destroy them as you consider what you would like to do to someone else. For years now, I have made myself an open book while directing my resentments at the hapless wretches beneath my feet though these parlor tricks will only get you so far. To cultivate my position within the clan, I had to make Xavier's cause my own and widen the divide between him and Andres. It was not easy as Xavier is no fool, and his notorious distrust for outsiders is legendary. I have managed to both earn and keep his trust only because Andres failed to keep his word.
*Andres was always more of a lover than a killer.* I can hear her voice in my head, clear as if she were standing beside me even though she was miles from this site. She is the reason why I am here and the reason why I have managed to avoid detection for this long. For my Sire, I will do anything. *Apologize to the poor wretch, make him feel like he is in control.*
"I have no excuse." I said softly before adding, "I'm sorry, sir."
*You will have to do better than that if you want to live through this night.*
I must confess that it has become increasingly more difficult to keep his trust despite my cause. Our cause. Her cause. Of course, the fact that the rest of the encampment is jealous of the bond I share with Xavier has not helped matters, nor have his frustrations with the renegade fledglings threatening the prosperity of what he has built. His anger towards those young, ruthless, and perpetually stupid vampires is well deserved, although tonight it seems that it is my actions that have annoyed him most of all. Make no mistake, my intentions were pure; and while I acted with his best interests at heart, it is not my place to act in his stead.
*And yet, you just could not resist being in the limelight. Just remember that he will bathe in your blood if he discovers the real reason for your being there.*
But those damn juveniles--
*Will be taken care of soon enough, you fucking imp.*
Still…
"Are you angry with me?" I asked him, keeping my voice deep and sincere as I gently probe him for whatever information I can glean. Questioning him is always a risk but I must keep his confidence because she is right, my mission is not yet complete.
Despite the complaints from a handful amongst his ranks, I have quickly become Xavier's favorite even when judged against the triumphs of his own fledglings. Thus far, I have served as his messenger, reporting to him whenever the young ones turn another wayward mortal. Oddly enough, Assanbies believe that when the young thicken the ranks, they will inadvertently thin the bloodline and create weaker vampires that are unworthy of immortality. Still, over the course of the past century, the reach of the Maenith clan has breached Eastern Europe, forcing a clash in ideologies. Many of the Assanbies' youth have defected, preferring the "liberties" of the sun dwelling Maenith vampires. However, a small population has taken upon itself to change the Assanbies' clan from inside its ranks, hoping to shift the clan's exclusionary life to something more manageable for the modern era. My attempts to aid in keeping the bloodline pure and strong have made me a welcomed addition to the Assanbies' clan though not everyone believes that Xavier should dispatch these unruly fledglings, including Andres.
They're wrong.
Vampires should be something to fear for we are creatures of the night. Mythic monoliths that live in the shadows and thus, should stand apart from the mortal world. In this respect, Xavier and I are in complete agreement.
*As am I.*
Then why must I--
*You are trying my patience, little one.*
"No." The words flowed from his lips in an impassioned plea as I hunched my shoulders in defeat. Despite my newfound feelings for Xavier, in this matter she has been quite clear. She will grant me my deepest darkest desire so long as I follow through with her plan. Therefore, I have no choice if I wish to keep his favor. I cannot fail him. Or her, for that matter.
"Your tone depicts otherwise." I muttered under my breath. "My error in judgement was--"
"Refreshing." Xavier whispered rather suddenly. My brow crinkled quite predictably as I watched a small glimmer of joy seep across his face.
*Andres loves him, but on this issue they have never agreed. The thought of having to cleanse his clan without his lover's support, pains him. That is why he has been so open to your company; he needs to feel that warmth of approval. He is weak. Vulnerable.*
Unworthy of immortality.
"Their numbers are increasing." Xavier muttered, his voice heavy as he crossed in front of me and made his way towards his desk. He absently stared into the crackling fire while he sank into his chair, no doubt pondering the implications of his statement and the fate of his clan. "Despite my actions, they continue to turn more of those insipid vampires."
"That's why I acted as I did." I said reassuringly as he started to wring his wrists, leaning into his knees while he watched the fire dance on glowing embers. His frustration was obvious as he finally turned to look at me. I had not moved from the desk since we entered the dwelling and it seemed that my refusal to move from where he told me to wait had earned me a well-meaning nod. I allowed myself to relax my shoulders in an appreciative gesture.
"Yes." Xavier exhaled as he slowly turned his chair so that his back was towards me. I smiled, finally assured that he would not dispatch me just yet. Without meaning to, I found myself staring at the nape of his neck while he searched his desk for a series of papers that he appeared to have misplaced. "Killing those fledglings was a much-appreciated act but the untimely destruction of vampires is a duty reserved for the elders."
*Andres should have been there.*
"I know." I muttered as I approached him, standing now to his immediate left though keeping myself slightly behind him in a submissive display. He did not flinch when my boots scrape across the stone floor, in fact, he seems to be deliberately ignoring my movements in his now frantic search for the miscellaneous paperwork. No doubt he is working on a communication for the surrounding encampments as to how to handle the renegade fledglings. Alternatively, he could be searching for my death warrant. For him, it is all the same. Much like my Sire, he is nothing if not unpredictable and rash. However, he lacks her cruelty, showing remorse and regret despite their shared sadistic and torturous love of inflicting pain on others.
"Your actions are well intended but unnecessary." Xavier whispered after he finally started writing, his pen gently grazing the paper as the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand at attention. "I shall overlook this one incident because I believe that you truly meant to help me but from now on, stick to vigilance and restraint. It is not your place to act on this matter. Disobey my orders again and I'll have you strung up by your entails."
I flinched. A mental image of my half torn and beaten body rotting in the main foyer of the underground cave system seeped into my mind before I had a chance to push it aside. The scolding is well received but I feign injury just the same when I see a small smile briefly touch his lips as he gages my reaction. No doubt he is enjoying whatever he has gleamed from my subconscious.
*Such a trusting fool. And yet, he has failed to uphold his duty as elder to the Assanbies.*
"Xavier--" I started to say, momentarily wishing I could alter his fate with a few simple words.
*No. I have seen enough.*
But he is trying. I know he is trying. He just needs more time.
*He has failed.*
"Yes Alcander?" Xavier asked, turning nonchalantly to look at me whilst I wrestled with my inner demons. I stood motionless as I stared into his gaze, pondering the immeasurable consequences of my actions. I respect him. I do. After all these years under his rule, I have come to trust his judgment implicitly. Can I truly do this to him? Now? It would be different if he had no vision for the future, but he does.
*Either you hold up your end of the bargain or I will not hold up mine.*
There is a sudden surge of emotion that takes hold of me as her threat becomes palatable. What? Death was a straightforward consequence that I could stomach but somehow the knowledge that I might live to see her abandon my quest had never crossed my mind. Would she do that after everything that I have done for her? After everything that I have put myself through for her. No. She cannot do this to me, she promised me retribution.
*Simon's life comes at a price, my precious imp.*
I can feel the knot in my chest tighten as I consider the ramifications that the next few minutes will bring to me, to our kind. In the end, we will be a united force, pure and true to our nature. But to see Xavier fall pains me, more so than I ever thought possible. I was naïve when I accepted her proposition, desperate for a means to end my eternal suffering. I needed her then; I need her now. For as much as I may respect Xavier, she is right; it is time.
"I will do as you ask." I sighed as I place my hand on Xavier's right shoulder, willingly accepting my role in all of this. The concern on his face dissipated as he resumed the nonchalant examination of his papers. I respect him. I respect his vision. He has accepted me as I am and, in many ways, he has been more of a Sire to me than she ever will be. But I have other plans. Reluctantly, I slowly I reached into my jacket pocket. "But my dearest Xavier--"
Though at ease, he cocked his head just in time to feel my knife glide into his throat. I kept the blade steady but the sound of his neck cracking under the knife's edge caused my hands to treble ever so slightly. *I'm sorry.* Slowly the blade exited through the front of his body and in one swift moment, I severed Xavier's head before he had time to react to the attack. His faceless body slumped in his chair as his head slowly rolled to a stop by the foot of his desk, leaving behind a trail of blood that seeped into the cracks of the stone floor. I exhaled as the blood pooled around the corpse, which had already started to slowly disintegrate into blood and ash. The last remnants that a great man once stood in its place, a harrowing reminder that even monsters return to the earth in the end.
"Even elders need help." I whispered to myself, bowing my head in a small display of respect.
I am so sorry, Xavier.
*I am not.*
Her laughter in my ears was infectious and despite my lingering anguish, I found myself smiling. It struck me suddenly that a great unexpected sense of relief had washed over me as I backed away from Xavier's remains. I did it. For years, I have worked towards this moment. For years, I have waited to gain his trust so that he would not suspect my true intentions. Years of working my way through the sludge and dregs of his underground network, all the while keeping my deepest, darkest desires at bay. This is what we worked for and now, it is finally over. I killed an elder and soon…soon there will be a war. There is no way to stifle her revolution now. It is inevitable.
You cannot stop me, Simon.
*That's it, my pet. Revel in this little victory. You've done well.*
Simon, I'm coming for you.