The Vampire's Husband (Larry Stylinson AU) - Book Two

Chapter XI

The Bloomwood estate was aware of the Blackstar estate's war against the other estates. However, they were unable to assist the other estates in warfare. The Bloomwood estate was in a peaceful region and barely had guardsmen to defend themselves. Their estate consisted of women and children under the command of Lady Bloomwood and Commander Waters. 

"Lady Bloomwood, I am still awaiting word from your son. Xander's letters usually arrive within the week, but they have slowed to every month." said Commander Waters. The estate was trying to remain in contact with its'  heir. The weather and conflict was making their communication difficult, they weren't going to give up easily. 

"Understood, Waters. There is nothing we can do about the communication problem. I have stated more than once, we are in no position to help them." The lady was speaking the truth to the commander, she couldn't provide any guardsmen to the war effort. She exited the estate and walked to the courtyard. The officers followed suit and Commander Waters spoke for them. "I understand, my lady. If were attacked by anyone, were going to be -"

The group was interrupted by a guardsman, "My lady, we have lost contact with the southern outpost." Lady Bloomwood doesn't respond to the guardsman's report, she is shocked by the news. The estate is peaceful and always keeps out of the business of others.

On the other hand, Commander Waters is a skilled officer and combatant. He has often been compared to Louis on several occasions. He is only focused on the protection of the women and children, and of course, Lady Bloomwood. They have toiled together for many centuries and raised Xander since he was a child. Waters could even be considered a fatherly figure to him. 

"Are you sure, guardsman?" The guardsman nodded and assured the officers his report was accurate. The officers escorted Lady Bloomwood back inside the estate and awaited for their commander's orders. Commander Waters walked to the gate and attempt to get a view of the problem. He looked out into the distance and saw thousands of soldiers approaching the estate. 

Waters wasn't able to make out the uniform of the approaching soldiers. "Can anyone identify the uniform of those soldiers?" The guardsmen tried to recognize the approaching soldiers, but couldn't. The soldiers were too far away and no one could see their armor clearly. A child ran into the courtyard and up to the gate.

The guardsmen escorted the child back into the estate, they only desired to protect them. "Their armor bears the symbol of the Blackstar estate!" Commanders Waters isn't disturbed by identity of the approaching soldiers, but instead orders the guardsmen to hold their position. He enters the estate and informs the officers of the current situation. 

"How many are outside of the estate?" asked Lady Bloomwood. The officers stared at their lady with no answer to offer. The lady turned her attention to Commander Waters and expected an answer from him. "I can't be sure. If I had to guess, I would say they number in the thousands." Lady Bloomwood looked down at the ground and was dragged into her thoughts. 

She desired to provide protection and security to her people. Nevertheless, the only way to do that was to abandon the estate. "What is the plan, my lady?" asked an officer. She was pulled out of her thoughts and back to reality. Commander Waters stepped closer to her and awaited her command. "The guardsmen need to hold the line as long as possible. I will escort the women and children out of the estate. We will use the underground passage and remain undetected by the enemy."

The officers exited the room and processed to mount a proper defense. Lady Bloomwood followed them and motioned for Commander Waters to approach her. "You stay safe in these dark times, this is goodbye for now." said Lady Bloomwood while placing a kiss on his cheek. She leaves and starts to escort the women and children into the underground passage.