The Count

We met with Max and Master Ketia at the brake of dawn. The dining room was exceedingly small with three tables but only we were the only people there. The inn keeper and his young wife were not even down yet. There was a not on the serving bench, Master Ketia went and read it.

"it appears we have to make our own food" he said happily as he walked into the kitchen. A half an hour later the hot spicy bunny chow was in front of us (curry in bread). After we all finished, we started discussing our plan.

The plan was not to my liking as me and Hailey would have to go ourselves up to the castle, if we dint return in three days, they will come rescue us. This was because scholars had to meditate for three days to get battle ready.

Me and Hailey steeped out to the bitter cold wind "at least we have each other "Hailey said with a smile as she tried to brighten this dire situation. We walked hand in hand towards the castle some people gave us dirty looks, and some ran in horror.

We walked along dead hedges and trees do animals in sight, it was very eerie, but I felt like we were being watched.as we approached the draw bridge I started to shake as it was remarkably high up. "woah I've never been this high up isn't it fun" Hailey said with glee as her eyes sparkled.

"yeah" I tod a white lie to keep her happy. I was shaking into my boots, so much could happen like a strong wind or we could slip and fall to our deaths. It did not get any better as the bridge slowly lower and it was incredibly old. We walked along it to my joy it did not break.

We got to the other side and there was a man with short black hair, a charismatic face and wearing clothes that a prince would wear. He reached out shook my hand and kissed Hailey which made me a little jealous.

"I'm count Taven "he said charmingly

We both told him are names and why we were here. he laughed and told us that the stone was pretty and he liked collecting pretty things, he went on saying that was why he had three wives as he chuckled and lead us inside.it was well lit and on the walls was paintings and suits of armour.

" If there as powerful as you say I should give them back to you" he said with a wide smile two of his teeth looked quick sharp then I remembered that he's supposed to be a dark lord. Maybe the reports are wrong or maybe is father was also called count Taven.

Taven only had one request that we eat with him and his wife's, we agree for two reasons food and we need the stone. The dining room was small but nice the table in the middle could probably squeeze eight people. We sat down as his three wives came in. Taven introduced us to them but their names were local so saying them and writing them down would be hard, so I just smiled and said that they were nice names.

All three bowed and smiled as they took there seats, the count clapped and servant poured into the room through both ends, small little creatures with large ears, "Are they goblins" Hailey asked shyly as she didn't like talking in front of people.

"yes, they are "the black haired one stared at Hailey "are your mis Martens daughter" she asked both me and Hailey looked at each other with alarm.

"yes" Hailey said quickly going back to her food and ignoring the woman's stare.

"vile woman glad she's gone back to the hose of water"

"elemental's, the order" all three of the wives burst out in laughter.

The mood in the room change from friendly and warm to cold and creepy, me and Hailey tried to get out of our seats but could not. "this is the chosen "Taven finally spoke mockingly as he walked towards. "this is who is going to raise the pantheon and stop my mother enter this world to bring a new era" he boasted 

The room went dark then lit up again they were gone it was just me and Hailey. To my relief I could move again I took Hailey by the hand. She was complaining and panicking, which was unlike her and her accent kept changing so I stopped and gave her a hard look. I noticed that she had a scar on her shoulder.

I pushed her away "where's the proper Hailey" I said in the best commanding voice I can muster.

The fake Hailey laugh as she transformed into something I would never forget , it was the creature from the inn she was standing there naked as the day she was born her red hair going down her Gray body covering her breasts.

"oh, what's wrong with me "she said twirling her fiery red hair.

Confused as what the hell was going on I told her that there was a couple of reasons on your a monstrous beast, I didn't get to say the rest as I felt what  was like a train hit my chest as I flew past at least five statues.

She leaped on to me her wings spread and her talon like fingernails scratch the ground next to my head." You'll never see her again" she said with a grin as she leaned in a kissed me, her kiss was bitter as I spat on her face. She looked shocked "how are you not poisoned boy" she shouted angerly"

I thought of Hailey and used my anger and stabbed the creatures Gray flesh with a dark dagger. She got off me laughing and playing with the wound "oh no I'm bleeding "she laughed "dark weapon has no effect on vampires you stupid child".

Vampires they sounded familiar I thought to myself and ran as fast as I could as the vampire laughs faded. I leaned on a wall and caught my breath; I need to find Hailey but before I could move, I feel backwards into the dark.