The Lemniscates

31. Victor De Maltes, Serenne and Mikkel (Part 2)

- I see.

- Our breed is versatile, uncontrollable. To keep us always a myth to mankind, we must control our population. So far I would favor a small eradication of vampires once a century. Our population grows too quickly to be properly monitored. But you will rule and now we're in a modern era. It's up to you to make that choice or another. It's your responsibility.

- You haven't answered my question. Where are you going? And why?

- Oh, I answered. It's just that I haven't finished yet. You see, the First, my father fled his world. He never wanted to give me any details. One can understand that slavery is not a subject that we want to talk about. But he said this to me: "The masters are crazy. They destroy everything if we don't stop them. "

- He rebelled against his masters?

- Oh yes. And not a little. From what I understand, the masters were always at war. For power, for control. So, they were destroying their earth. Cataclysms were more numerous by the day, more powerful each time. The slaves were all afraid. The masters said it was because they were angry. Of course, they said that to control the masses of slaves. But people felt it in their fibers and in their souls that magic was running low and that nature became destructive. Their world would die because of their incessant wars.

- What did the First?

- The First was a slave. His actions were limited. And the masters were very powerful. In their madness, the masters realized that the earth no longer holds its own. So they decided to leave it. They began experiments to create portals to evacuate. And they wouldn't go alone. They would take their slaves. The First knew that nothing would change and that if they left, the next earth will suffer the same fate. With friends, he decided to destroy their experiences and all the masters with this kind of knowledge. There was a revolt but it didn't go as planned. The masters who worked on this project were killed but the revolt failed. All were either killed or captured to be tortured for eternity. The First managed to destroy their facilities but in the blast, found himself sucked into the portal.

- And Ienan found him?

- Yes, Ienan was intrigued by the portals appearing intermittently. Undoubtedly some tests the masters did to stabilize the passage. The First came dying. The shock of the explosion and especially the mark.

- Why the mark?

- He betrayed his masters. The mark was punishing him. Anyone who betrayed the masters knew that endless pain would be his punishment. Ienan could not destroy the mark but managed to extract it.

- So if the mark were to be released, all vampires would suffer endlessly?

- We don't know. Only the First had betrayed them. But it is better not to take that kind of risk. My father taught me incantations to create the portal to come here. You will need to know too. I have also adapted them to return there.

- Why do you want to go back?

- My father has left friends behind, family. He had a sister that he could not take. Is she still alive? Is she suffering because he betrayed? This is to free all the vampires of this world I'm leaving.

- And if it happens that this world has been destroyed by their folly?

- I doubt it. I launched a few spells and I think their world still exists. According to my results, I even think that he has recovered.

- A lot must have happened in 6,000 years.

- Yes. But even if the masters were defeated, I need to know. I need to know if it is possible to destroy the brand here. That's why I'm leaving.

- A noble mission, your majesty.

- More than a mission: A Quest!