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

William looked out over the darkened city of Gorredik that sat atop the high mountain within the Cumberland Range. Moonlight picked out the snow covered peaks in the distance, now a bluish-grey below the starlit sky. Fighting their way into the palace where Llandielo had been keeping Kailee had been a rush that he hadn't felt in some time. Closing his eyes, he tried to push out the vision of his daughter lying on the cold stone floor. Her body had been reduced to a husk of its former self so much so that he couldn't even recognize her immediately until Bianka homed in on the emaciated girl's scent.

Llandielo deserved to suffer more than he did at the end.

The scent of roses wafted up behind him as Anita wrapped her arms around his torso, laying her head on the back of his shoulder. "How long did you wish to stay, love?"

"We can return to Stolberg tonight," he said quietly, placing his hands on hers. Her touch still held the magic that it had the first night that they held one another. "I have one more thing to accomplish."

She silently breathed in the cool night, then moved her face forward. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

He turned his face towards her. "Yes. They've kept to their word and I've been holding this within for too long."

She chuckled. "Still the hopeless romantic. You know the world doesn't relish the old days as we do. Many overlook each other's faults and move on. But not you." She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

* * *

Within the high ceilinged temple dedicated to some long forgotten deity, the templar, paladins stood with Sceva, Lericanin and their friends. William led his wives inside quietly and listened to the ceremony re-dedicating the now cleaned church. Sceva looked over the crowd after his speech.

"Is there anyone else who wishes to speak?"

William hesitated, then teleported to the dais and turned to face the crowd. He could feel tension within those who had joined the main group, men of Sauqira and the distant kingdom of Lierre who made a living hunting his kind.

"I wished to first thank all of you for accepting our assistance to free my daughter from this evil man's home and abuse. Not only had he taken many more of our kind to himself and used them as playthings, he also sponsored the destruction of the southern baronies of Davos. I've found that over the decades man has found a way to fight their neighbor for whatever reason, mostly out of boredom and Llandielo used this mentality to his own benefit. This fight was won here but hasn't ended the war, however."
"When I was a boy, I dedicated myself to Arhus and Elminoir in similar fashion to the way most are raised today but, I was taken from their guidance by another. I've never offered my word against their presence or practices and I've enjoyed knowing that my daughter is in the presence of men who have allowed her uniqueness within their circle. She is most innocent in the ways of the world," he hesitated. "Was. I correct myself. Even the sun finds the most well hidden flower eventually. But, it was this heat that has allowed her to thrive and mature into a beautiful woman that will hopefully outlive me. I wish to further dedicate my services to the cause of freedom that all of you fight for and I hope that in this action, some manner of redemption will be found for centuries of selfishness." Emotion began to well as he knew that he had loved every day with his wives. "Thank you." He disappeared to rejoin his awaiting ladies at the rear of the tiny congregation.

* * *

After the short service, they retreated to the large great hall and feasted on the meal that the surviving servants prepared. Bianka led Kailee out into the lit room as the burning from the fireplace and torches on the surrounding walls picked out revelers and Selyria who played her harp and sang. Slowly they made their way to her friends as William and Anita looked on. She had been through enough these past few months and he smiled as she hugged each one.

"My lord," the tentative female voice called from behind and to the left. He turned to notice Alandria eyeing them sheepishly.

"Alandria," Anita greeted. "What's on your mind, darling?"

"I want to come with you. When you leave tonight, I want to go along. If it's okay."

William admired her dedication to his daughter. "I know you would love to but, that wouldn't be a good idea. I'm sorry. Lisa has already made that clear with us also."

Alandria's shoulders drooped, her plan had failed. "I can't lose her again, sir. We fought to get her and now I have to watch her leave again," she pressed her point as her hazel-brown eyes glistened.

"She won't be staying with us long," Catherine offered. "She's going to heal quickly and will rejoin you in no time."

Sarah leaned forward. "You would be in danger if you stayed with us. Trust me on that one. A house full of vampires is no place for a virgin."

William knew that their meaning of the word would be lost on the ranger. "Alandria, I promise that she will be with you soon, just be patient. She told you why you can't come with us, your bow is needed to get your friends out of these mountains. You're not out of danger yet and they'll need your skills to lead them back to safer lands." He hoped that appealing to her sense of duty might seal her decision but, he could feel that her heart still ached to be with her teacher. Finally, she acquiesced.

They bid their goodbyes to the knights of Arhus, Elminoir and Archantael and began ferrying the additional guests to Stolberg via teleportation. Home sweet home.