I woke up to the sound of a lively discussion. I quickly put on a dark blue armor skirt and wondered if I should pick up my pistol. So far, all I can hear is angry voices, and the presence of someone with a weapon could do more harm than good. Let's try diplomacy first.

I stepped out of my tent and realized that we were standing on the edge of a sizable native city. An earthen pyramid occupies the vista in front of me, surrounded by wooden buildings. As far as my eye could see, well-tended farms dotted the valley and several bonfires gave the place a festive feel.

Our campfires were not festive at all. Most of the fugitives who chose to join us were in the carriage circle to my left. The men stood around like sentinels, and not a single woman could be seen. The sound came from a crowd a few steps away. The torch lit up, I hope it was just a heated negotiation.

On one side stood Bingel, frowning, who I knew was close to the people we rescued, as well as Rose. Only Dvigur looked somewhat relaxed. I could feel Dalton in the Shrine.

On the other side is a strange motley bunch of people. The largest group of people are men and women dressed in light and colored clothes. They wore bells and jewels in their hair, and oversized necklaces hung with mirrors. I noticed at least one European, and a couple of young people who were clearly mixed-race. They are led by two siblings, a large man with a mustache and a red turban and a woman who looks savvy.

I think his beard is even comparable to Bingle's! Is that why they are staring at each other? I always thought that bearded men would form brothers, but now it seems that they are fighting for supremacy. Maybe they need to establish a hierarchy first? People are strange creatures.

I tried to join my allies cautiously, but my attempt was thwarted when the second part of the indigenous group turned to me. They wore more conservative undyed leather clothing.

Nashoba limped away from the crowd and smiled at me in return, and I smiled at him in return. The argument subsided, and all attention turned to me.

Ah, it's so uncomfortable.

"Hello, Children of Thorns and Hunger."

"Greetings from Nashoba. What's going on?"

The circle expanded, including me. After Nashoba's voice faded away, I got mixed reactions from this group of colorful people. Many were cautious, while others looked at me with suspicion. The Europeans openly laughed at me, and that didn't bother me too much. I'd rather he believe that the pale man is a myth made up by gullible savages.

"The Muskokis of the Fox family will not allow you to walk through their land without permission. Lately whites have been encroaching on their territory. While the blasphemer's death has earned you a lot of favor, the situation is tense. ”

"What are you doing here?" You're not their own. ”

"I'm here to make sure the negotiations are successful. The alligator you killed isn't the only one hunting us, and we need your help again. ”

"I'm not going to slaughter an entire village of whites for you until we start, if that's what you're referring to."

"Of course not, Thorne's child, for no one can save this path. Ah, but our companions are losing patience, so let's listen to their grumblings and posturing for a moment. He added with a smirk.

I don't remember him being so arbitrary. It seems that he has had a good time for the past six months.

It was Moscow's male envoys who rekindled the war. I guess he'd say mean things to the rest of the band, and he'd be gesturing wildly at Nashoba and me. I didn't understand his language at all, and apparently the shaman didn't either. There was a Choctaw man whose face was getting redder, and I guess he was the translator. I noticed that one of the women who picked Nashoba after I asked for payment was also here, even though she was currently staring at the ground with rare intensity. Loth was right. I was really impressed with them.

His tirade continued until his sister grabbed him by the sleeve. Two newcomers were walking briskly towards us from the village. I immediately recognized one of them as the shy captive I had freed from the heroic camp.

No more shyness. She frowned at the sight of me, then turned to the crowd. Her speech was brief and to the point. The envoy asked her a few questions, which she answered briefly. A wind of fear and surprise swept through the crowd, with one exception: the white man was clearly unimpressed and became increasingly angry.

The man began to ask something, but the short woman clearly reprimanded him and left without looking back. Her companion, an older lady, struggled to catch up.

I think my identity has been confirmed. The Muscogee group is full of whispers and comments, which I think is good, however, white people in indigenous costumes are moving forward and are about to be obnoxious.

I looked at Looth, and he immediately caught the attention of Bingle and the old man. My Dwig friend is a rare treasure to understand me so easily.

The nasty ghost looked at me. I focused my attention on him.

Hypnotizing people has always been difficult. Trying to influence others other than feeding is always a make-or-break affair. This time, however, I could feel a traction. It's not very subtle, but I managed to convey what I wanted to convey by connecting our temporary bindings.

Stop it.

See.

feelings.

Understand.

Cringe.

When he stopped, the world around me vanished. I watched as his bewildered brow turned into bleak realization, and then into naked fear. He involuntarily took a step back.

There was a rift in our connection, and I broke off eye contact just as the rest of his group came to an agreement. They did not address the European group. Instead, the shrewd woman exchanged a few words with Nashoba before disappearing into the darkness.

The entire Moscow delegation quickly followed, including a bewildered stranger.

"A week later, I need your help hunting. In return, your person can pass unhindered. Those who remain will not be harassed. Need me convince you to join?"

"What do you want?"

"The world will not perish in a day, nor will it be redeemed in a day." I sow the seeds of salvation and uproot the seeds of destruction. ”

"I have little qualification to be a savior."

"Not so with the fallen prince and those behind you."

“…… It wasn't entirely my decision. ”

The shaman smiled sadly.

"Never. Can you help me? Do I have to beg?"

"Yes, yes, I will. A week later. Where?"

"I'll give you a dream."

Isn't that convenient? Nashoba limped away, followed by the rest of his small group. Soon, we were on our own.

"What just happened?"

I forgot Bingle and the old man. How do I explain that?

An hour later, I was standing in Si on the outskirts of the village

ead and Loth front.

I can see Bingel's doubts about whether the shaman is an archaeologist or not, but our communication in a "dead" language, and the credit I received from him, allowed the lie to pass. He even offered to accompany me on the next "archaeological expedition", and that's how I convinced him. It was only with a promise to check the pottery overnight that he changed his mind. I'm impressed, but I'd rather wash Melusin's feet than hunt down Nashoba's next target without my full strength. It's enough to brush shoulders with death once a year, please, thank you.

"Not yet?"

"Well, he does smell inviting, even from a great distance, but I feel good."

"How long does it usually take to manifest?"

"Less than a minute."

"I see."

There are some things that stand out because of their absence, and there are things that I've learned to live with over the past year.

Thirst.

I feel good.

It's still here, just a little satisfied. It's as if I've eaten it all.

"Can you tell me how many people are around us?"

I closed my eyes and focused on my heartbeat, footsteps, and movements.

"There were 17 people in our camp. There were three sentries watching over us from behind the drying rack. ”

I did not add that in the nearest carriage there was a couple who were arguing violently. I felt very uncomfortable hearing these words, as if I was a spy.

"Yes, 20 in total, good guess. Now look at the pyramids and tell me what you see. ”

I made a turn at that shape half a mile away.

"There's a stone door inside. It is prudent. ”

Rose's eyes widened in surprise.

"Well, I will. Can you try to hurry up?"

I did so and finished the action behind him. When I touched his shoulder, he jumped screaming.

"Damn Ali, don't scare me like that girl," he said breathlessly, "my old heart can't stand it, you know?"

"It feels faster than yesterday."

"Ah, I know what's going on. It's unbelievable! Ali, you are on your way to becoming a courtier. ”

"What? What is a courtier? I thought I was a rookie!"

"Hmm......" Rose said, looking at Sinid suspiciously.

"I assure you," the offended party retorted, "that I have no interest in sharing information with your enemies. If you remember, they're mine too. ”

We don't say anything because we know his comments are worthless.

“…… Well, I swear to keep it a secret. ”

"That's right. Ali, your Devourer Blood Unity is set to accelerate your growth. How many powerful creatures have you sucked dry since you woke up?"

I thought about it for a moment. Sinid gasped in horror.

"Nightkin, how many creatures have you killed?"

"Well, I drained the blood of two mages, three werewolves, two of them with the help of Rose, and a vampire. I received the blood of a mage, a lucky human, Bingel, a powerful vampire courtier, and a hundred-year-old Devogel. ”

"Yes, that's it."

"On the edge of the grove!" A year?"

"I've been busy. Anyway, you're saying a year is enough? I thought it was fixed, like pregnancy. ”

"Not really. Constantine said that it took him only a year and a half. You may be setting some kind of record, but if you want a benchmark, you need to compare yourself to your peers. Yes, I know it's impossible. I suspect that's the fastest speed to keep your sanity. Your master's other creations grow much faster, but they are, so to speak, artificially fed. ”

"You are a descendant of the Devourer?"

I thought Sinid would be scared, but I didn't expect him to be pondering.

"Yes. And?"

"Your host is a bit of a name for himself in Europe. It is said that every century or so, a faction tries to remove him from power for one reason or another. ”

"Stupid".

"That's right, yes. They also say that he always keeps his promises, both in letter and in spirit. ”

"Are you sure?" He asked me to put pressure on the people who were negotiating with him. ”

"I never said he was kind, just that once an agreement was made, he would abide by it. I choose to believe that his pedigree is genuine. ”

"Hiss".

"Whatever you think of him, you're in his blood."

I could not find a trace of contempt in Sineid's expression. It's not an insult, just an observation that he thinks is important. That's right, from his point of view, all vampires are just as threatening. If someone is going to rip your throat open, why should it matter if they have four or eight fangs?

"I think it makes a lot of sense. Now, does anyone know what's going on?"

"I can tell you because it's part of our agreement. Your host can also participate. ”

Cineid cleared his throat and continued his lecture.

"During my seven years in captivity, I managed to collect quite a bit of lace news from my jailers, whether they were humans or vampires. UAVs and fledglings, you already know. The title of courtier is more informal in a sense, as it is traditionally conferred by a person's clan. There are several aspects of vampire power that must be mastered in order to be recognized, and these specific elements vary from clan to clan and reflect the organization's mindset and priorities. For example, Hastings asks for the completion of a complex project, while Roland bases it on one's ability in the chosen field.

I don't know what your majesty will ask you to do in return, and I doubt it's of any use.

Specifically, courtiers are adult vampires. Most vampires are at this stage because it will take about a century to reach the next threshold of your development. The only constant is that, in contrast to chicks, courtiers can eat for two days or more and stay awake all night.

Aspiring courtiers often start by improving their abilities: charisma, feelings, and movements. Aside from your many weaknesses, these are what set vampires apart from other mortals. ”

"Can you elaborate?"

"Yes," replied Sinnede scathingly, "I'm guiding it." You've been there. Charisma changes people's perceptions; It speaks of sensation, and movement is the supernatural power that allows you to show strength and speed. ”

"I've been able to do that."

"I believe not to the best you can. For example, there is a figurine at the top of the pyramid door you checked earlier. ”

I was surprised and looked at the mound again, yes, there was something at the top of the white stone door. I tried to concentrate, but my vision became blurry and my head started to hurt.

"It takes time and practice, like most things. In any case, you have your own work to do. Now, let's move on. ”

Sinid lectured for a full two hours before my brain finally sounded begging for mercy. My precious notebook was filled with valuable information about various tribes, important people, and ideologies. Aside from two key pieces of information, this information is of little use to me right now.

First, there are three main political alliances in the EMEA region. Their membership has changed to a certain extent, but not much.

Ese

U is a group of hidden kingdoms where entire cities are subverted by an openly vampire ruling class. They are organized everywhere, but mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the region.

The mask is a champion of the secret rule. They have a strong artistic and hedonistic side and are attractive to several governments. They are mainly found in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

The followers of this path are a diverse group of people who are committed to more causes outside of the realm of political influence, such as science and magical research.

Louisiana's community seems to represent all three types of people, which is quite surprising considering they are currently at war. This is the second piece of news and it surprised me. I thought the conflict between vampires was short, violent, and often one-sided. On the contrary, most of the time is spent preparing for the decisive blow, the conspiracy within the conspiracy is being revealed or dismantled every day, and the object of allegiance changes with the elusive arrangement. It even seems that they avoided death as much as possible. I know that when I killed Charlotte, I violated our usual rules of engagement.

One way or another, the next one is Melusin. Vagabond.

This concludes my speech on the politics of vampires in Europe. I realize that the human mind is fragile and vulnerable, and I have no objection to continuing tomorrow. ”

"Yes, that's the best way to go." I replied impatiently. "I need to rest anyway."

I returned to camp and found Dalton almost asleep standing up.

"Lover?"

"How are you feeling, except, of course, being tired."

"My ribs hurt and the road was not easy. I'll be fine though. Hey, watch out for Sinid. ”

"Huh?"

Dalton rubbed his eyes and stared into the distance.

"I've heard of such people from my grandmother. I was born further north, my parents are from Ireland. She said there was a man like him, with big eyes, pointed ears, shiny hair, who looked so bright that it didn't look like he was out of this world. ”

Except for the hair, it does sound like a Lika. Maybe it will grow again?

She called them xenos. They love to play, she said, and not everyone survives the game. They are cruel and ruthless. For them, entertainment is the most important thing. "Our lives are so short that they are worthless," she said. Just be careful. Sinid may be a victim as well as an attacker. ”

I paused, pondering. Do I care? I don't want to get close to that person anyway.

"Thank you, Dalton. Our deal is struck, but I'll remember his contempt for humanity. It's time for you to sleep. You look tired. ”

As soon as I had finished saying those words, the young man collapsed on his cot. He came out in a matter of seconds.

I arrived at the tent and found what Loth had written in his notebook. As soon as I approached, he closed the door.

"Really?"

"I'm thinking, now that we've accomplished our goal, what are we going to do?"

"We're going to the end of an inhabited place, a place called Barrington Fort, and we'll be there tomorrow. We will report our findings to the authorities and then split up with Bingle and the settlers there. Then we'll go home and prepare for your hunt. Ah, but it's good to come home from a raid, you know? I'm hoping for more loot though......"

"What about the Likas?"

"He'll be with us. When you return, he's gone. I'm going to send him to a ship in South America. ”

"Good. Well, that's all. I'm going for a walk. ”

"Enjoy". He replied with a predatory smile.

I went outside and stayed away from the others. When I reached the edge of the valley, I started running.

Lonely in the end. It feels good. It feels good to let go, no need to hunt right away, no need to patrol, and no need to come back. It's just me and the land. I enjoyed the wind blowing in my face, the dirt and roots beneath my feet, and the vivid sound of the night around me. I move with explosive power just because I can. Sometimes, my skirt gets ripped or tripped, but that doesn't ruin my fun. The skirt I wore was sturdy, and so was the body it covered. For an entire hour, I trotted and sprinted aimlessly across the land.

I'm alive.

My Master took my life and my future, and I turned this curse into a new beginning. I survived, endured, and picked myself up again. Now, I can choose and forge my own path. It's going to be difficult, but for now, I can let go.

“Hahahahaha !”

I ran, ran, ran. I only came back an hour before dawn, clear-headed, with my hair full of broken branches. I look crazy, but I don't care.