laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

One of the things Sceva liked best about visiting places like Braxton was the time he got to spend with the families.  They never ceased to amaze him with their flexibility and perseverance.  Though they were often looked down on by those with power and wealth, the people always possessed a nobility that he often found lacking in those with land and title – a care for their fellow man, a sense of fairness, a simple grace and strength that inspired him to continue on, no matter what.

The families of Braxton insisted that Sceva take one of their bedrooms for the night, even though he tried repeatedly to explain that he was actually at home in the natural surroundings of the outdoors.  Reluctantly, he finally agreed to take the room of one of the teen sons while the lad doubled up with his brother.  He had to admit that it was nice having a real bed for a change.  He spent some time in prayer before retiring, asking for guidance and strength.  There was a sudden change in the room, and a tingle in the air enveloped him.

“These people are in grave danger.  The livestock were only the beginning, and have fueled the creature’s thirst for blood.  In the morning, search the woods that lie northwest of the houses.  There you will find evil.  Be on your guard, though, for you have never faced anything like this before.”

The charge abated as a woman’s scream pierced the night.  Sceva buckled on his armor and sword and rushed out into the square.  As people began joining him under the canopy of stars, some began moving to the farmhouse immediately to Sceva’s left, just as a frantic woman burst through the front door and collapsed into the arms of her neighbor.

“My Jamie, she’s dead!  I saw it leaving through the window!”

Preston moved to stand beside Sceva and pointed up to one of the windows on their side of the second floor.  “That’s the one,” he said quietly.

“Get the children back inside,” Sceva told him.  He dashed into the house, found the stairs, and cautiously entered the room Preston had indicated.  Through the open window, he could hear the sobs of the mother as her friends gathered to console her.  Her daughter lay in her bed, eyes open and unblinking, a faint trickle of blood evident from the fang marks on her neck.  Her face had frozen in a moment of surprise, but not panic.  She seemed almost peaceful.  Sceva concentrated for a moment, reading the room for any residue of magic or power.  Mentalism covered the dead girl’s upper body as well as the window frame.  Sceva quietly turned and left the room, returning to the square.  Fifteen pairs of eyes silently begged him to bring good news.  He found that he suddenly had no words in his throat.  He shook his head as the tears welled up.  Jamie had been only eight.

The next morning, he rose early and prepared for his search of the woods.  He gathered several pieces of wood and fashioned them into sharp stakes.  He refused breakfast, choosing instead to fast and pray.  He instructed the men on how to prepare young Jamie’s body for burial so as to prevent her from returning as another vampire, then saddled up and rode to the edge of the woods.  As he entered the woods, he again knelt and prayed.  He knew that this would only be possible with Elminoir’s help.

He searched for several hours before he found the ruins.  They rose out of the underbrush, almost too overgrown to recognize.  These were stonework walls of incredible age, appearing to have been long ruined when the empire was just being formed.  As he explored the building’s remains, he again prayed.

“My Lady, lead me to Jamie’s attacker.”

His champion’s voice came softly to his ears as he faced an old doorway.  “Through there.”

As he proceeded, Sceva emerged into an area that had been cleared of trees, perhaps as a courtyard or a garden.  In the middle of the clearing, the earth had been freshly turned.  He quickly retrieved his shovel and started digging.