༺ Chapter Four ༻
Martin hurried along, his features hidden beneath a hood, making his way out of the village unnoticed. He continued walking until he left the entire kingdom behind and finally reached the banks of the Great River of Fire—the river that cleaves Middle Earth, a passage no traveler can avoid on any route.
He crossed the river without looking back, moving toward the forest whose trees were scattered yet for a moment seemed dense, as if they clung to one another. These were no ordinary trees; their leaves lacked greenery, as if drenched in blood, appearing in a frightening crimson hue—the "Crimson Forest," home of the vampires.
Only a moment passed before someone stood before Martin, arms crossed over their chest, voice tense:
"Dare you enter our domain, human?"
Martin turned, unbothered.
"Freya, why are you so scary?"
He raised his hand and removed his hood, widening the soldier's eyes in surprise.
"M-Martin… my lord!"
She bowed respectfully, then said in a formal tone:
"This soldier salutes your lordship!"
Martin waved his hand dismissively.
"No need for formalities… just take me to her, I won't stay long."
Freya hesitated, her eyes shifting between him and the dark shadows of the forest, then said cautiously:
"I'm afraid I must refuse, my lord. As you know… the honorable lady meets no one, whoever they may be."
Suddenly, a calm yet piercing voice echoed from the distance:
"Freya… let him come."
The soldier immediately bowed and gestured to him.
"My lord… please."
Martin advanced with quiet steps, delving deep into the forest until he reached beyond the trees, where a pale-colored castle stood, surrounded by crimson plants as if they fed on the darkness of night. The scene was like an enchanted painting, stealing minds with its awe and deadly beauty.
He pushed open the heavy gate, and upon entering his gaze fell on a tall chair occupied by Altheria Mont Kragson Hart, noble of the forest, lady of pure blood, queen of the vampires, and princess of the World Tree's era.
She looked at him with cold eyes, as if seeing a ghost rather than a human, then said in an emotionless voice:
"What brings the lord of humans here?"
Martin took another step forward, then replied raising an eyebrow sarcastically:
"It's a stroll… I seek some fresh air among these trees."
Altheria's eyes narrowed, and she said reproachfully:
"Martin the tyrant… do you think there's anything that would make me indebted to you?"
Martin smiled calmly, his eyes gleaming with cunning.
"A debt? I don't think so. But what I believe is that I walk to wherever my will lands."
In a flash, Altheria vanished from her place and leapt toward him with her long crimson sword. Martin raised his sword to block her strike. The blades clashed strongly, each stepping back a step.
Altheria retreated, holding her sword, then looked at him closely before saying with a mix of astonishment and disdain:
"Martin… do you think you're human?"
He tilted his head slightly and answered calmly:
"And what else could I be?"
"Old humans like you die at this age, yet here you are… deflecting the strike of the great vampire queen as if you're a young man in his prime."
Martin smiled and said softly:
"Let's say… I'm a lucky man."
It's not luck that lets a human parry two blows…
"Could it be… the vampire queen is jealous of me?"
Altheria gave Martin a mocking look before saying:
"Jealous of you? Of a man drained by years and robbed of youth by life? Tell me, what in you could inspire jealousy?"
Martin gave a pale smile, turning his gaze away from her as if ignoring her sarcasm. Then he said, disregarding her sharp tone:
"Enough of this. Tell me, won't you attend the meeting?"
She raised an eyebrow with boredom.
"You mean the round table?"
"And is there any other?"
She let out a short laugh, but it sounded hollow.
"I see no point in going. Things changed after Sylvain's death."
Martin frowned and said heavily:
"Things changed a lot… that fool put me in an unenviable position. How could he burden me with leading something like this?"
Altheria looked at him with a mysterious gaze, as if recalling an old memory, then said softly:
"He trusted you… he always said you were the only one who combined wisdom and strength."
Martin laughed shortly but not without sarcasm.
"So you're saying you're not wise?"
Altheria replied coldly, her eyes narrowing with some disdain:
"If I were wise, I wouldn't have befriended humans… nor would I be standing before you now listening to your bragging."
In a split second, Altheria aimed her crimson sword at Martin, who skillfully dodged. Altheria threw her sword and struck him with her hand alone. Her delicate hand carried enough strength to make Martin retreat. Suddenly, Martin threw his sword as well and struck her, making her retreat too.
This was just a warm-up between two old comrades, but for the vampire soldiers watching, it was a terrifying display. What scared them more was this human who seemed not to have lost any of his power's shine.
Martin tilted his head slightly before shrugging carelessly.
"Oh, what a sharp mood! Well, I'm old now, and fatigue soon knocks on my body's door. I'll leave before sleep overcomes me… farewell."
He turned to leave, but her voice stopped him.
"I'll come, boredom casts its nets over me…"
Martin smiled and waved his hand as he left.