Hector wakes up in a dark room nothing like the room he last remembers being in. Hector tries to move, but finds he can’t. He is chained to a chair. Hector hears footsteps. They are very close.Around a corner he spies the queen and a few guards. He has a bad feeling about this.“Queen Gabrielle, what is the meaning of this? You signed the treaty. Why am I chained to a chair?” asks a worried Hector.“Oh, Hector, I am sorry this isn’t personal. You see, Rex is one who won’t turn on his King and give me information and my daughter truly cares for him, so I couldn’t hurt him. Now you, I know, are new to Skorn's ranks and have a love you can’t see. You're hurt and angry with Skorn. You will tell me what I want to know, won’t you?” orders Queen Gabrielle.Hector tests the chains. They are strong, holding him like a vise.“Oh, don’t bother Hector. These are vampire steel. You will not be able to break or get out of them, so get comfortable and answer my questions and we can put this whole
Kelanar sleeps most of the night, but early morning, around two am, she wakes up, notices the trash can and gets sick. Kelanar knows she drank too much. After she gets sick, she drags herself to the bathroom to take a shower.Why did I drink so much? Thinks Kelanar.Kelanar places her head against the cold tiles of the shower wall and lets the warm water hit her back. Once she cleans up and doesn't feel like the world is spinning, she goes back to bed.Kelanar sleeps until six am, then she gets up, dresses and heads down to help in the kitchen. Kelanar hears talk In the kitchen. She Ppushes open the door to notice a smiling George and Henry looking refreshed this morning.“Morning Kelanar, how are you?” asks George.“I am ok. I think my head is killing me, but I did drink last night for my guard induction with Henry,” says Kelanar.George chuckles. “Yeah, Henry is just telling me about it. I have seen many boys go through that. I am glad to see you can stand and still help with the ki
A young hunter stalks his prey. The forest is eerily quiet when his prey comes into sight. He takes aim and the shot rings out. The hunter goes to his prey and kneels. His short black hair blows in the wind and his green eyes shine in the fading light of the day. He smiles at the deer at his side. “Thank you for your sacrifice so that my family and I may have another meal,” he declares. He picks up the buck and swings it over his broad shoulders. They gleam with sweat from the heat of the day. The deer's weight doesn't bother him, because he is well built. He heads back towards town, when he hears crying. “Hello, is someone there?” he calls. The crying gets louder. He walks towards the sound and sees a girl on the ground. Her blond hair covers her face. There is blood on her left leg. He sees a tear streak down her cheeks. Not wanting to scare her, he sits the buck on the ground, leans his musket against a tree and slowly approaches her. “It’s okay, don’t be afraid. I am here
In the town of Sung it is silent. Kelanar sits by the windowsill of her living room and shares a tiny house with her mother and twin sister, Eve. “Kelanar?” She hears a voice call from the kitchen. She gets up from the windowsill and heads into a little kitchen where her mother is standing in front of a boiling pot, stirring supper. “Yes, mother?” she asks. “Is he here yet?” her mother asks. “No, not yet, but he likes to hunt until dark. He will be here soon, I am sure,” says Kelanar. Her mother wipes her hands on her blue apron and goes to her daughter. “Don’t worry, love, he never missed my famous dinners before. He will be here,” Kelanar's mother says with a smile. Kelanar nods and smiles, too. Her mother places a lock of black hair behind Kelanar's ear like she has done a thousand times before. “You're right, mother. He'll be here.” Kelanar returns to the windowsill to wait for Hector, her love. After the sun goes down, there is still no Hector. Kelanar paces the floors
Hector feels bad about killing the girl. Rex takes him upstairs to meet his new Master. Hector walks up nine sets of stairs before they get to a living area. The living area is decorated with red and green banners and wooden chairs. The hallway leads to a throne room. Hector walks into the room. Carpet is red and golden, with the oak tree in the dead center of it. Ceiling is rimmed with gold and white mason oak tree carved into it in the middle.. The chandelier is gold, with candles and red crystals hanging down from it. The walls are lined with stone statues of every king that ever was. Hector gets to the throne. He notices one statue is broken, all that remains is stone pieces. “Sire, I bring you Hector,” Rex says. Rex kneels before the throne. The throne is made from an oak tree found on the battlefield of a ten-year war covered in the blood of the slain. It is a high-back, oak wood that is stained red with the blood of his enemies, studded with jewels along the armrest, with a
Kelanar sits by the river for a few hours. Thereafter, she searches the woods for any signs of Hector. She heads to the spot he would normally set up to hunt at. When she gets to the quiet clearing, she sees Hector’s bag and picks it up. Looking inside, she finds the deerskin flask and knife that Hector always carries. He wouldn’t leave this behind, she thinks. She swings the bag over her shoulder and continues to look around. She arrives where Hector was attacked, only to find scuff marks and some blood on the ground. “He was hurt. Something is wrong here.” She heads back to the village to talk to Sheriff James. Kelanar goes into the sheriff’s office. An older man, who sits behind a wooden desk, looks up. “Hey Kelanar. You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” says Sheriff James . “It is Hector. Something has happened to him,” says Kelanar. “What do you mean, something has happened to him? I heard he left town from his mother.” “That letter isn’t from him. You know him well enou
(Eight hours after Hector’s first time in the maze) Hector hears the door open. “Rise and shine, Hector and Ruby. Rex wants you both downstairs in ten minutes,” says Jesse. Hector looks out from under his covers and sees Jesse standing there. “Do I have time for a shower?” asks Hector. Ruby is already jumping out of bed and making a run for the shower. “Sorry mate. Looks like you won’t be getting that shower. Ten minutes. Downstairs. Ruby, be a doll and show him the way. I have to get the others up,” Jess calls through the bathroom door. “Sure, no problem, Jesse. We will go down in a minute,” Ruby calls back. Hector yawns and wipes the sleep from his tired eyes. Jesse leaves the room. Hector gets up and drags himself to his dresser. He feels no pain now, but his body still feels tense. He opens it to find a stack of black shirts in the lower drawer and a stack of blue jeans in the middle drawer. The upper drawer contains socks and underwear, all uniform style. Pulling out w
Kelanar sits in a small cell, playing the last few hours over and over in her mind. The blood still stains her hands. She doesn’t know what happened, she just got angry and then Gage was lying there, covered in blood. Sheriff James told her that if Gage dies, then she will be charged with murder. She prays he survives. Sheriff James comes in and sits on a chair by her cell. “I have some news, Kelanar. He will live, thanks to the doctor,” Sheriff James says. “That is good to hear. I am glad he will make it,” says a very relieved Kelanar. “Tell me, girl, what was going through your mind when you hit him with a rock?” She stands up and paces the floor. “I don’t know. He was bad-mouthing Hector, and I was angry. I remember picking up the rock, and then there is nothing but blackness. When I came back to myself, he was on the ground bleeding. I didn’t know what happened until I saw the bloody rock in my hand.” “So, you blacked out, acted in rage, and you didn’t realize what you had
Kelanar sleeps most of the night, but early morning, around two am, she wakes up, notices the trash can and gets sick. Kelanar knows she drank too much. After she gets sick, she drags herself to the bathroom to take a shower.Why did I drink so much? Thinks Kelanar.Kelanar places her head against the cold tiles of the shower wall and lets the warm water hit her back. Once she cleans up and doesn't feel like the world is spinning, she goes back to bed.Kelanar sleeps until six am, then she gets up, dresses and heads down to help in the kitchen. Kelanar hears talk In the kitchen. She Ppushes open the door to notice a smiling George and Henry looking refreshed this morning.“Morning Kelanar, how are you?” asks George.“I am ok. I think my head is killing me, but I did drink last night for my guard induction with Henry,” says Kelanar.George chuckles. “Yeah, Henry is just telling me about it. I have seen many boys go through that. I am glad to see you can stand and still help with the ki
Hector wakes up in a dark room nothing like the room he last remembers being in. Hector tries to move, but finds he can’t. He is chained to a chair. Hector hears footsteps. They are very close.Around a corner he spies the queen and a few guards. He has a bad feeling about this.“Queen Gabrielle, what is the meaning of this? You signed the treaty. Why am I chained to a chair?” asks a worried Hector.“Oh, Hector, I am sorry this isn’t personal. You see, Rex is one who won’t turn on his King and give me information and my daughter truly cares for him, so I couldn’t hurt him. Now you, I know, are new to Skorn's ranks and have a love you can’t see. You're hurt and angry with Skorn. You will tell me what I want to know, won’t you?” orders Queen Gabrielle.Hector tests the chains. They are strong, holding him like a vise.“Oh, don’t bother Hector. These are vampire steel. You will not be able to break or get out of them, so get comfortable and answer my questions and we can put this whole
Kelanar is in shock due to Henry's statement. So much so, that when the barmaid comes back over, she is still speechless.“Would you like your check, Sir, or dessert?”“What do you suggest for dessert?”“Well, we have our famous apple pie, chocolate pie and chocolate cake.”Her bright eyes never leave Henry.“Apple pie sounds nice.”“One or two, Sir?”Kelanar just watches while smiling at Henry. This girl was flirting with him hardcore.“Two sounds good.”“Yes, Sir. I will be right back.”As the barmaid turns, she winks at Henry and glares at Kelanar. She comes back a few minutes later and places two slices of pie down. One is an enormous piece and the other is tiny, the bigger helping she gives to Henry. As she goes to leave, she spills a drink on Kelanar.“Oops, so sorry. Let me get you a rag in the lady’s room around the corner, if you'd like to freshen up,” says the barmaid sweetly.Kelanar glares at the barmaid, gets up and goes to the lady’s room.While she is gone, the barmai
Rex and Iris leave the Queen’s study and head to a little pub down the street from the castle.“I am glad you came back, but do you think it wise to leave Hector with my mother?” asks Iris.Rex orders two beers and sits by her.“Hector can handle himself. Besides, he's all business. He will have the drink with her and then head back to his room or go hunting. His mind is on his girl,” says Rex.“He has a girl? Is it that blond that came with you all?” asks Iris.“Well, in a sense, yes,” Rex takes a drink and sighs.“Hector is my charge, but he didn’t come to this life willingly, like most. We have to have some way to control the vampires. I am afraid you will hate me if I tell you this,” sighs Rex.“I couldn’t hate you and I know you have done things you don’t like, but you have a king to answer to, and we all know he is not very nice. Some even call him evil.”“Well, this is true. I had to threaten his girlfriend, the human one. If he gets out of line, she will be hurt and before we
“I can dutifully oblige you. Come, let me speak to the masters. I think they would give us both a pass to go to town to celebrate,” says Henry.“Is that allowed? I haven’t left here in six weeks. That would be nice to relax some. Let’s go,” says Kelanar.Kelanar follows Henry back to the castle.“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be.” Henry goes up to speak to the masters.Master John notices them while he is seeing the other masters off.“Henry, Kelanar, can I help you with something?” asks Master John.“Yes Master. I wish to take Kelanar to town to celebrate. May we have a pass? I will keep her in my charge,” says Henry.Master John looks like he is thinking, then he smiles.“I am not supposed to let her leave the compound unless she is going home, but as of tomorrow she will be officially in the guard and under my charge fully. I suppose I could allow it. If you promise to watch her and make sure you’re both back by curfew. It is a day to celebrate, for I believe some women might want t
Hector and Rex walk into a grand room. A long table is present and the queen's throne sits at the end of the grand table. There are many people seated at the table already. The young girl from before sees them.“You both clean up nicely. The queen will be pleased. Come with me.” She leads them to the two chairs on either side of the queen’s throne.They sit and Hector turns to the girl.“Do forgive me, but I didn’t catch your name earlier.”She blushes. “I am sorry, I am so used to Rex, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Princess Iris.”Hector is surprised and bows.“I am sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t know you were a royal,” says Hector.Rex laughs. “It’s fine, Hector, you didn’t know, and Iris isn’t one for titles. Just respect the queen and we will be fine,” orders Rex.Ruby and Ash join the group a few moments later. Ruby sits next to Hector and Ash sits next to Ruby.Hector goes to speak with them when the double doors open and everyone stands and bows. The queen enters wearin
Kelanar sent her letter over three days ago and she has been waiting to hear back from her sister, Eve. She is helping George with breakfast when Master John hands her a letter.Dear Kelanar,Glad to hear you're doing ok. I can’t believe they have you in the guard, that is crazy, but mom and I are very proud of you. If they were to have a first woman, we could see it being you. I know you are great with a bow, so give those boys hell. I can’t wait to see you for our birthday. Write back soon.Love, Eve(Six weeks later)Kelanar has been enjoying her time with Henry in the morning as they help George and then they train all day. Then they get some time alone as they clean the boots. Master John said that this was the last week for boots, thinking they had been punished enough. Henry has been doing all this with a broken hand. He gets the wrap off today.Kelanar has been getting better with a sword, and she is moving up in the ranks with the boys. She is still the best with a bow and M
Henry is in his bed and can’t sleep. What Kelanar said really bothered him. An idea comes to him, and he goes to sleep before his alarm goes off at three o'clock. Ben and Ken groan at that. It is not time to get up yet.Henry wipes the sleep out of his eyes and grabs a quick shower before dressing and heading down to the kitchen. He sees George.“Well, good morning, Henry. What are you doing up already?” asks George.“Morning George. Well, Kelanar made a comment yesterday that really bothers me. She must do double duty as a woman and a guard. I find it very unfair.”“I am sure you do, but that is the orders and like you said, she is a woman.”“I know very well. I have come to a decision that, as long as she has to, then I will too. So, put me to work,” says Henry with confidence.“Very well, that is very you. Grab some potatoes, get to peeling. She will be here soon,” orders George.Henry sits and gets to work. A little before four, Kelanar strolls in. She spies Henry working and is
The sun sets, and Hector and Rex rise from their sleep. Hector stretches his muscles, stiff from horseback riding, and wants a shower.“Do you mind if I shower first, Rex?” asks Hector.Rex looks over at him and smiles.“No, go ahead. I like to hunt before I shower, but make sure you are done before I get back. No taking your time like a woman would,” says Rex.“No, I will be out pretty quick,” says Hector.Hector walks into the bathroom. He sees a good sized room. On the walls he sees a lot of symbols like runes. He uses the restroom and turns on the shower. As soon as he does, he smells this fragrance consisting of roses, lavender and some other herbs. Hector knows he is in the kingdom of the witches, and he needs to stay alert. He strips out of his clothes and steps into the warm water. He sees many bottles of soap and they all smell like the rain. Hector quickly uses them, rinses off and dries with a towel he finds hanging on the wall. He walks out of the bathroom just as Rex is