The Crucivire

Chapter Forty: Aftermath

The vampire army was forced to fall back when the werewolves finally attacked, and once Archibald gave the final command, every vampire in the area engaged in a full on retreat. Soon the Night Hunter forces reached the mansion above the seal finding minimal resistance. Captains Wagner and Reinhardt led the teams tracking them into the forest, hoping to thin the crowd of vampires as much as possible.

Director Farrow, meanwhile, met three dhampirs and two crucivires at the front doors of the mansion with a squad of hunters behind him. The fourth dhampir, Cora Mires, lay dead in Gordon Brand's arms. All of them had their swords sheathed, Durendal safely in the sheath Cora Mires still wore, and Alice had even given her brother the sheathe off her back so he could wear one of the Murumasa blades at his side. As Farrow walked up to meet the five warriors the Night Hunter Director noted the dead dhampir with solemn respect before raising his eyes to Agent Phoenix.

"Mission accomplished, I see," said Farrow.

Gordon nodded, "We rescued Agent Phoenix, and two of the elder vampires are now dead. Archibald Jackanape is leading the retreat."

One could detect an aggressive edge when Gordon mentioned the vampire clown.

"Understood," Farrow replied, "Agent Phoenix, I don't think I've ever been more relieved to see someone alive than I am to see you right now."

Phoenix saluted, "Glad to be alive, sir. Do we have any medics available? Alice is injured."

Farrow noted her missing hand, "I can send for one."

"Good," Phoenix turned to Alice. "You'll be okay, right?"

"Yeah," said Alice. "I'm good."

"Good," Phoenix turned back to Farrow. "Director Farrow, I request permission to help track down the fleeing vampires."

Farrow frowned, but before he could speak up, Gordon Brand interjected.

"Running off again?" the elder dhampir asked. "So soon?"

Phoenix paused, surprised by the question, and then he sighed.

"I know," said Phoenix. "I've been reckless, and that's gotten me into trouble. I accept that, but I've been chained to a stone slab for over a week. I have an urgent need to get up and move, so I'm going, but I won't run off by myself this time. You and Jasmine are welcome to come with me."

Gordon hummed, considering it.

"Come on," said Phoenix as he glanced at the dead woman in Gordon's arms. "I know you have unfinished business with the vampires just as much as I do."

Besides, thought Arthur, I have a particular scent in my nose I'm very interested in tracking down. He didn't show it, but Alice and he were still connected mentally, and she gave him a curious look, wondering what he was referring to.

Gordon and Jasmine, meanwhile, looked at Cora. Then they looked at each other and came to a silent agreement as they turned to Director Farrow with determination in their eyes.

"Sir," said Gordon. "I too request permission to join the hunt."

Farrow considered it, then said, "Alright, I'll authorize it."

"Thank you, sir," said Phoenix before turning to his sister, "Stay safe, Alice."

Alice nodded, "You too, Arthur."