Morals Of Vampire {#3}

Part 22

[Part 22]

Kieran supposed that time must have really changed everyone in its own pace, because the brawling brothers that he used to separate easily from each other came at each other with fierce passion now. With surprise, he watched as both sides fought evenly and equally, both vampires having improved their skills against each other over the years. When he had still been travelling with them, the two had always been brawling, but never really fighting it out. Even if they did, they had been young –inexperienced. Kieran had never had a problem removing one from another from their homely, uncoordinated brawling.

But things were different now. Aside from a new viciousness that he saw in the lashes and punches, counters and parries, Kieran saw skill in both men. He had met many skilled martial artists in his travels and had picked up many of such skills as well in his years. Still, he was amazed at how his two brothers were able to pick up so many, and mix them so well while they were still stuck in their own respective countries, leading their respective Councils and Covens.

There was something else as well –a scary difference in the brother that he knew as Cian. Cian had always been a peace-loving man, always someone who kindly deferred his wishes to his more demanding little brother. As the elder one of the two, Cian had been taught from young to relegate his needs behind the needs of Skalov. Even after changing into a vampire, that mindset hadn't changed, and Skalov had continued to take advantage of it –even at his brother's expense.

Cian had always let Skalov get his way, and Kieran would even admit to say that Skalov's character today was also a result of Cian's pampering and bowing down to his younger brother's demands constantly. It made Skalov a man who got what he wanted; a man who could resort to anything to get what he wished for.

But today, things were different. For the first time, Kieran saw the determination burning in Cian's eyes, a determination to go against Skalov. For the sake of a Council that Cian had been regarded as the loving, caring father in, the Coven Master of the North American Council was fighting with his soul against his brother.

"You have to stop this." Jean-Jacques said, taking him by his arm in a threatening move; except that Kieran wasn't so easily threatened. "Cian hasn't been on the field since the start of the Council."

"And still he seems to be holding on well." Kieran answered evenly, gesturing to where the two vampires were still going at each other with a fire. "Maybe it's time for you to recognize that your Coven Master isn't as weak as you make him out to me. Cian has only been allowing you to feel like you are doing your job, allowing you –and the Council –to protect him."

"You can't expect a fight to solve a war?" Jean-Jacques answered, clearly not happy that his role was undermined here.

"The Coven Masters were the ones who declared the war against each other, Jean-Jacques. If it takes a fight between the two of them to stop the war, then that's what both Councils will have to accept." He kept his answer purely professional, making sure that even the Russians understood where he stood; in the middle of both sides. Kieran wasn't here to take sides –wasn't here to choose between Cian and Skalov. He loved both his little brothers, and wanted nothing more for them to be safe and comfortable. Even if they ended up hating each other, at least they wouldn't be in danger of each other.

"What if either side is unhappy of the result of the fight?" Jean-Jacques asked, his concerned eyes clearly on the blurry figures of the fight. There was mild surprise at Cian's ability to fight and match Skalov, but it was buried deep beneath the worry lines creasing Jean-Jacques's brow in a frown.

"They have to accept the result. I will personally make both sides understand that this war ends with this fight." Kieran finally let his intention clear, knowing that his old authority as the Master Council Elder was showing its roots. Kieran didn't often use this authority –he hadn't needed to. But if anyone attempted to interrupt this fight, to disrupt the peace of the vampire world and start another war, Kieran was ruthless in dealing with anyone. With his title and power as the Maker of all vampires, Kieran was not afraid to use those powers to his will.