The Vampire & Her Witch

”That’s very generous,” Ashlynn said, looking from the High Lord to the case and adopting a thoughtful expression as if she was considering which to choose. Under the surface, however, she was rapidly adjusting her impression of the man for transforming what many would have taken as defeat into an opportunity to advance.

While the lords to the side marveled at the generosity Dirar had just displayed, Ashlynn’s mind worked rapidly to understand the sort of offer he’d really made. A palace by the sea, or one with a vast library, made it clear that he’d come to understand her well, or at least well enough to offer things that she would value personally beyond the simple grandeur of the offer.

Beyond that, if she wanted to take advantage of his offer, she would have to visit his domain. For a man who might soon become her vassal, it was a remarkably shrewd move to suggest that his monarch take her holidays in a home that had belonged to him. Beyond that, by asking that his concubines be allowed to remain in residence, he could place people close to her side, gaining access to her ear even when she retreated from the capital of their fledgling empire.

Of course, it was entirely possible that it was a trap as well... A thousand servants and two hundred soldiers would be enough to pose a genuine threat to most Eldritch lords and even High Lords if the servants weren’t what they appeared to be, and the advantage would be even greater if he transformed the palace into a killing ground.

But was Dirar that sort of man?

”Would it offend you if I made my selection later?” Ashlynn asked, turning back toward Dirar. ”I confess, I don’t know the rest of your realm well enough to decide. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to hear more from you about your home and your people before I make a choice.”

”Of course,” Dirar said warmly, gesturing for the servant to stand aside. ”I’ve already learned a bit more about you and your people than I knew before I left. Your Hemlock Witch, for example, is exceptionally impressive for someone I was told had only recently joined your coven. I hope she wasn’t offended by my humble gift.”

”I can’t imagine she would have been,” Ashlynn said, suppressing a relieved sigh as the conversation moved on to safer pleasantries. ”If you don’t mind my asking, what was it? I’ve been told it was a book?” Ashlynn pressed lightly, hoping to gain some insight into the High Lord’s preparations.

”A new copy of a very old book,” the High Lord said. ”The ’Precepts of the First Builder.’ When I heard that an engineer had joined your coven, I had a fresh copy made. Only, since I’d been told you spoke the Eldritch tongue, I assumed the same of your Hemlock Witch... It seems I was mistaken, or I’d have done as I did with this one,” he said, producing another small, leather volume from the large pouch hanging at his waist.

”Tell me, is there a Lord Erling Fayle among your ranks?” Dirar asked, looking over the lords assembled in the bailey as he held up a book marked on the cover with the five stars that humans knew as the constellation of the Ascended Archer and the Eldritch called the First Hunter.

”This gift is meant to honor more than a decade of peace along the river Tuilig,” Dirar said as the young baron stepped forward. ”I hope that it can represent the next Chapter of cooperation between your people and mine. I’ve had it transcribed into the common tongue spoken by your people,” he explained.

”Though it might be best to have it reviewed by one of your own sorcerers before you practice any of the techniques contained within,” Dirar cautioned, glancing briefly back toward Ashlynn.

”Do you suspect errors, High Lord Dirar?” Ashlynn asked mildly as a mischievous smile formed on her lips. ”Given how long Wolstan has been a member of your court, I imagine your scholars must have had plenty of time to learn the king’s common tongue.”

”Less a matter of language, your Dominion, than a matter of trust,” Dirar said with a helpless shrug. ”These techniques have been passed down among the people of the Southern Sea since the Sovereign of the Stars and his Celestial Court led our people back from the Broken Isles. I can vouch for them, but...”

”I see,” Ashlynn said, nodding in understanding. ”Since it pertains to the traditions of Oracles, it isn’t to be treated lightly or approached without great understanding. You can accept this gift, Erling, without fear,” she said confidently.

”I’m certain that Seeker Diarmuid can assist you with it,” Ashlynn added, gesturing to the former Inquisitor who stood nearby. ”And if he has questions, you can borrow the help of Artificer Erkembalt or Commander Aspakos,” she added, watching Dirar carefully to see if he reacted to either name.

”The Sorcerers of Sundered Earth have placed themselves at our command, High Lord Dirar,” Ashlynn added, eliciting a tail swish of genuine surprise from Dirar for the first time since he’d entered the inner bailey. ”So, while the teachings of the Church are both distorted and incomplete, I think you’ll find we have no shortage of experts in the traditions of Oracles, including the Sovereign of the Stars.”

”I see,” Dirar said, quickly smoothing his expression as he once again presented a calm, composed demeanor, though behind him, the same couldn’t be said for Rastlan, who stared in open disbelief. ”Then there should be no problems with the gifts I’ve brought,” he said, extending the book toward Erling.

”I’m honored,” Erling said, bowing deeply as he accepted the book directly from the High Lord’s hands. ”As to cooperation,” he began, only to stop as a new sound reached the bailey of Lothian Manor.

Night had finally fallen, and with true darkness came the sound of thundering drums...