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

Through heavy snows she rode, pushing through the Black Mountains which majestically rose into the sky. Turning southeast to avoid the Black Anvil clan's towers and patrols, Aaliyah eventually found herself nearing the Shadow Range and a familiar river. That afternoon, she dismounted into the thick, white snow and walked towards the turbulent flow. Ever watchful, she kept her eyes to the surrounding forests as she drank and refilled her waterskin as her faithful mount joined her.

"It won't be long now," she stated quietly as she stood and looked downriver. Allowing the horse to get her fill, she moved into the heavy woods and found a small clearing in the underbrush where she unshouldered her backpack and knelt. Opening the cold, leather pack she found the jerky made some days prior and ate. As a heavy hoof dug for grass, Aaliyah closed her eyes and concentrated, sending her mind into the ethereal through a swirling mist of blues and whites until finding that comfortable spirit that she had longed to touch again. Soon, the ghostly form turned to her and smiled.

"My love," she called, nearly crying. "I've missed you."

"As I have you," he faced her as ghostly blue eyes looked into hers. "Have you found them yet?"

"Not yet. I'm on my way there now and I'll soon have her on the end of my sword, I vow it."

Enestius studied her for a long moment. "I wasn't talking about Kailee, although having her killed as well would be a great boon to our cause. You must also find the two girls and that dwarf that killed me."

"I will," she said, wanting to draw closer to him.

"Keep your mind on the goal," he demanded, sobering her desires. "I don't want you to join me empty handed. Do you understand?"

"They'll all be dead soon. Your father will rest well as she and her dark elven slave are lying at his feet."

He smiled, "Then leave me and see to it". Aaliyah nodded, then felt him back from her, lost again in the ethereal which soon melted into her cold surroundings. Sighing, she rested in the wet snow for a while and soon pushed herself up and approached the mare, still eating what little she could find. Allowing a few more opportunities for sustenance, she moved on to the river and looked down it, studying the rocky and wooded terrain. Being on the eastern side of the river, it may be easier to survey patrols and the layout from the western side. Give her some time to come up with a plan of attack. Many of those who had taken part in the final battle that killed Sater would be there soon as their annual gathering was well known by friends and onlookers alike.
Once done, she led her mount across the rocky bottom and into the pine beyond, then headed south until soon she looked downward and across the widened river to see her prize. Warwick lay quietly on the far bank, white rooves blended into the surroundings picking out the clustered two-story homes and other establishments in a semi-circle that arced up the hillside. In the center and on the lake itself, the castle commanded a strong position, it's grey walls contrasted against the backdrop and highlighted by the afternoon sun. Using the surrounding bushes as cover, she sat down and watched the activity in the town, keeping track of armed guards and those without. Aaliyah had seen the town firsthand only days before the last assault and she knew of the capabilities of those who lived there also. One being a powerful archmage with many years of experience. Selyria would be a problem.

As night approached, she moved into one of the neighboring, empty homes that had once been the residence of those tending a vineyard. It's warmth would be welcome to both of them until onebro's full introduction brought the thaw. She gathered wood and built a small fire in the hearth, then removed the saddle and gear from her horse, then brushed her down and replaced the blanket across her back. Being in a back room, the firelight shouldn't be seen from the town so, she felt secure in her position for the night. Very little was left behind that would be useful in the modest villa which was destroyed decades ago with most of Warwick when Idanac, the demon king of Enkhuzen invaded the town and destroyed it, forcing Duke William and his wives to retreat to their second home. Aaliyah had become a student of this infamous range and it's past occupants when she met Enestius.

She picked her way through the darkened debris in the dining room and kitchen as her horse nervously neighed and stomped the dirty, wooden floor. Blue eyes studied the room beyond as she unsheathed her sword, then reached out with her mind to find the cause of the alarm. Suddenly, a presence was standing to her right as Aaliyah spun and pointed the blade at her unannounced visitor.

"Evening," the gorgeous blonde greeted, smiling. "Why sleep out here, there's two comfortable inns in town."

"Just passing through, didn't want to trouble anyone," she lied and quickly realized the vampire was studying her. "I'm Bethany."

Kristal grinned seductively as she relaxed. "Pretty name but, not yours. But, that's okay Warwick is full of those wishing to be forgotten by the world at large."

Aaliyah nodded and soon noticed three more were in the shadows around her which prompted her to lower her blade. "I wasn't planning on being here long." She feigned ignorance. "How did you know that's not my real name?"

Kristal smiled. "I've been at this a long time, darling. We all have and if you really think to harm anyone in this town, I would go ahead and make peace with whomever you worship."

Sheathing her sword, Aaliyah knew this fight was beyond her. "No. I have no plans for such, I'll be on my way now." She moved towards the main room and her mount and could feel the vampires follow her into the room as she knelt and packed her things. "How long have you lived here," she asked as she moved to the nervous horse.

"A long time and plan to be here a lot longer. Aaliyah," the name which prompted the thwarted assassin to turn and eye the blue eyed beauty glaring at her. "Give this up. Kailee doesn't need our protection but, we love her like a sister and you'd be wise to forget this campaign. Find a quiet place to grow old for continued pursuit will only gain you an early grave. Mark me."

Feeling her blood boil, Aaliyah stepped under the horse's neck. "Your devotion may only gain you a fiery end such as her parents felt. There are many who hate this town and all it stands for, this war is far from over." A comment that gained a hard slap out of the shadows from her right, sending the elf reeling. Crashing into the floor, she slid across dirty stone until she rested against the wall. Orange highlighted horse and glaring brunette soon washed into a morass of darks and lights as Aaliyah passed out.