Random Chaos

Warlord of the Sea (1,268)

~ Prologue ~

"Take her and run!" The empress of this land shoves a newborn at me, her face twisted in pain while holding another close to her chest.

The sounds of fighting and death echo loudly about the palace, distracting me once more. In a blink of an eye everything changed. From simple trade discussions to utter chaos. From welcoming a sudden birth to fighting off an invading army.

I stare down at the slain dragon soldiers, listening to the fire blazing around the once lovely room. The sudden weight being thrust upon me pulls my attention back. The queen's arms dropping with the rest of her, into a pool of blood.

"Save..that..child.." Her eyes slowly close with her final wishes.

The flames of the fire reach out towards me, everything snapping back together. I turn and sprint for the window, I squeeze the baby tighter and angle my shoulder. The glass shatters, the ground quickly coming to greet me, I anchor myself and land sprinting in the same moment.

Ignoring the young one's crying, I continue pushing through the onslaught of soldiers. Dodging between the fighting men, soon I clear the courtyard. Running through the smoke filled woods, my goal still a stretch away.

I don't have time to question any of this, I don't have time to look back. I don't have time to understand. I run as fast as I can, hoping to make it to the inlet.

My vessel and crew waiting for me there, I merely came to this land as an visitor. The Lord here reaching out to many kingdoms. Seeking friends and it seems he needed aid. Clearly he withheld much information, for there was no mention of war on the horizon.

I hit the docks, my crew already pulling anchor. The flames of war are far too bright for any to ignore, I land on the deck just in time.

"Full speed now!" I bellow out hastily, my vampirism adding power to my command.

The sails drop completely as the wind carvers fill them with their magic. Within seconds we leave Bavrein's Port, I look back just to see the dim glow of dragon's fire hitting the docks.

"Captain?" My second in command appoarches, "What on earth happened back there?"

I look down at the puffy cheeked babe, her eyes closed and red. Her skin still covered in birthing fluids, a new emotion swells within my soul. What a way to be brought in to this world. I can feel the questions my Vice Captain has, I can sense his eyes also on the young one.

"Before anything Darius, fetch a deck hand. Have them prepare a bathing bucket and goat's milk. When you see the witch Irene, send her my way as well."

I turn and head for my quarter's, needing to contact my brother once I sort myself out. He needs to know of this night, for the Dragon Force will probably head his way eventually, the coat of arms on their uniform is unmistakable.

It seems a war is starting but why now? What could the Dragon Shifter's gain by taking over such a small kingdom like Bavrein anyway? It is a mix blood kingdom and holds no power in the World Council.

I pace my cabin slowly, still cradling the infant. My mind racing in too many directions to focus. Is this child even of that queen? I simply do not know, I arrived in that area of the palace by chance.

A soldier fleeing from my attacks as they stormed the war room. There was too much blood, too many bodies for even the likes of me to discern who was what. A knock at the door draws my attention.

"Captain Jiro? You sent for me?" The soft voice of Irene filters in from the doorway.

"Yes, come in at once." I turn and face the woman as she enters unsure, for I don't usually bother with anyone on my crew directly.

"What can I do for you Captain?" She doesn't greet my crimson eyes but stares at my feet.

"Look at me woman," I snap my fingers drawing her attention. "Have you cared for a young one before?"

"Yes sir, I have." She looks from my face to the baby in my arms and back to me again.

"Good. You are in charge of caring for Narai." I turn and hand the child to her, naming the young one myself.

"Captain?" Irene looks from me to the baby again.

I knew this would not go simply. In fact even Darius had the same questions lingering about him. I have a feeling this young one is special and will be invaluable one day. Only I know of her existence, she will be my child now.

"You will tend to my daughter. That is all you need to focus on now. Go find Darius if you have any further questions." I wave her off, turning my back, knowing Irene will spread word amongst the crew.

Pov shift-

"Narai, it is time for your weapon training. Get down here child." Uncle Darius shouts up at me, my legs dangling over the main sail.

"Uncle must we today?" I groan loudly, kicking my legs about.

"Must I fetch your father?" I know he wouldn't dare intrupt my dad while he is meeting with Uncle Kota.

"You are gonna intrupt the Vampire Lords because you can't make me listen?" I look down at my haggard uncle, his eyes wide as saucers though.

I know that look, I cringe and slowly turn my head to see Dad floating just behind me.

"Is that anway for my daughter to behave? And of all nights to be childish." His words scold me but his expression is playful.

"I was just going." I smile warmly, my father is only ever this gentle with me.

I have seen how cold he can be towards others, only the select few he has choosen to be my retainers get any sort of leniency.

I right myself and jump to the deck, landing softly next to Darius. He holds out a sword for me and a wary smile. Our last few training lessons have left him on his ass, for there isn't anything more he can teach me.

I can feel the eyes of my father on me this time, even Uncle Kota is watching intently. Just before I could claim another victory, dad steps in front of me.

He pulls me in for a hug as he speaks, "I am so proud of you. You have mastered all Darius had to teach you my child." Father leans down and kisses my forehead, "Kota and I have decided you are ready to have your vampire powers unsealed."

"Truly Father?" I smile gleefully, I knew he sealed his lineage within me on my birth.

Irene explained it long ago that it was to protect me and those around me. She claimed I was birthed with too much power that it cost my mother her life. At first I was sadden but Father helped me alot.

Our daily lessons on our race and the others of this world helped me to understand. Life is just as much of a choice as is death, some choose to sacrifice themselves to better another.

My mother gave her own life force so that I could grow strong like my father, that he chose a life at sea and travel to keep me safe. I know of the wars that plague the lands, the dragon race wants the to expand their territory.