CHASE

Chapter 19

     When he sensed the presence of his creator, he suffered an impact like an electric shock. He wasn't ready to take it back. However, there he made up his mind about his revenge plan and controlled the avalanche of emotions.

     As was to be expected, Grerft received him despite his indifference. Orsmund did not sway to his self-proposed relaxation. He expected the creator to punish him for the long period of estrangement. Instead, he was analyzed in his brother's presence with disinterest. Harmand objected to the lack of interest in that protocol. To no avail, then, Grerft could not hide his disdain for Orsmund. And the Viking became aware of Harmand's distrust, so he purposely concealed his triumphant success.

     Grerft discussed war strategies with Harmand. Orsmund remained in his corner, behaving like a good boy. Sometimes he allowed them to treat him like a puppet. Or else, without drawing his brother's attention. He tested his new skills. Reserved, he challenged the creator through thoughts. He took care of himself. He knew when to stop. And the variables of Grerft's behavior were a good factor. Especially, when he let himself be blinded by irritation when he couldn't reason about future battles.

·

     It took eight centuries for Grerft to make progress through Harmand's spy missions. With him, he achieved goals. He razed most of the security of the territory he was about to reclaim.

     Orsmund had been patient. He knew that sooner or later he would be alone again. Now that no one was keeping an eye on him, personally, the brother he would complete the last phase of his revenge. Recruit a team that would be responsible for exterminating a vampire. Would do whatever it took to finish him off. The price didn't matter. So, he had to hurry before he lost track of Grerft again. His creator's aloof attitude warned him that he would soon leave. Though time wasn't the same for humans. For example, "brief" could mean 5 years. There was no trace of a loss of hope when it came to striking his true enemy as Orsmund grew stronger. Ending, then, to be put aside because Harmand created some soldiers with the support of Grerft. Territorial desire has been replaced by revenge.

·

     Not far away, the signs of a fight between two humans cried out for its sleeping revenge when looking for food there. Although, as it was near twilight, he ignored them that night.

     When he awoke the following dusk, he returned to the village. With his experience of resisting his wild instincts, he stopped at the door of a discreet and taciturn tavern. A miserable-looking middle-aged man staggered towards him from alcohol already ingested.

     "Come on, go ahead!"  He grumbled in a bad mood.  "I don't have my whole life. Get out of my way!"

     Instead of going in, he followed him. It smelled too sweet, so he didn't intend to feed on it. He watched him fall helpless twice, with no desire to help him. The individual ended up burying himself in a hut. When he turned around, he was stoked by the fresh scent of a big house 33 feet away. There he walked relaxed. He stared at the upstairs balcony. He inhaled, deeply, and leapt up, gracefully, in silence, leaning on the jamb. Inside he saw a quiet young woman dozing. He was aware that he couldn't touch her without an invitation. A little frustrated he decided to postpone it to another opportune moment.

     He sat at a table in the corner. The tavern owner gave him a mug of beer. A man with a badly trimmed beard constantly squinted. He took the opportunity to compel him to sit in front of him.

     "Tell me, little man, what land is this?"  The timbre of his voice was seductive.

     "Fragqua."  He dropped the word.  "About two hundred houses. We are sociable with those here. We tolerate foreigners in a short period of time if they are passing through and do not get involved in our affairs."  His pupils dilated.  "We don't accept that others reproduce with us. We alone are worthy this strengthens our blood."

     "Witches or supernatural are not for sure! Retrogrades... possibly."  Muttered to himself.  "Continue."

     "This tavern is called Tavern. Our beer is the best..."  His hypnotist rolled his eyes. He couldn't imagine how stupid that could become. He had found those idiots and he didn't have time to look for other apprentices.

     "I thought you were going to offer me more relevant information. I started out being captivated. Well, I see that is due to your intelligence."

     Having said these phrases, the man came out of the trance. He shook his head in bewilderment and walked out the door without paying the slightest attention to his surroundings. Only the presence of the owner of the property accompanied him. The man put away the dishes and hid his uncomfortable suspicion. Which was no less an easy task for Orsmund to make him forget.

     Being predictable, the night had its end. It was a pity the nights were getting shorter due to the season. Before dying for the day, he listened to Grerft and Harmand. They suggested that the new offspring were not as resistant as they had predicted. Always at this hour, assiduously, he listened to them from a distance to update himself on their progress. He kept an eye on them. It was the only reason he spent the day with them. Since, for their advantage, both devalue it. Something he gladly took advantage of.

     The late afternoon shadow came to move the bodies of the dead. The vampire decided to chase prey on the way to Fragqua. He avoided the tavern and headed for the big house that had sung, sweetly, to his instincts. There she was. Behind that glazed rectangle a pleasant image manifested itself. He closed his eyelids, craned his neck, and breathed. Instead of pushing himself forward, he froze listening until she fell asleep.

     He opened his eyes, slowly, to the barely audible rhythm of his heartbeat. He leapt across it, suddenly appearing in front of the wooden frame that supported the glass. He exposed the claw of his left index finger and scratched the smooth surface. The noise brought her out of sleep. On a muffled scream, she jumped when she saw what was calling her. Even fearful, she was curiously dazzled. Carefully she opened the window. Her assailant admired her dark, lightly curled hair that brushed her waist. Black eyes against the color of her skin. Her pale nightgown outlined her slender body lines. The slightly parted pink mouth smiled in satisfaction. Orsmund suffered from the heat of his own veins. He resisted seducing her to invite him because his control was close to the abyss. He didn't intend to slaughter another population. The idea he came to build was to find a way to destroy Grerft and not get lost in the demonic darkness. However, he knew that while that human was alive, she would disturb his thoughts. This one would probably become the cherry on top of the cake.

     The outcome was that he was subject to withdrawal for weeks until he trusted his self-control using humans as experiments. He felt stupidly insecure like a newborn. He wouldn't give up his plans for an insignificant human. He could make her disappear. But deep down, his intuition told him otherwise. So, he gathered his strength to close her in an imaginary chest and concentrated on advancing his wiles. Later, if he felt like it, he would play with her.