Lore of Eternal Shadow: The Fugitive King

Chapter Twenty-Six

For three days and nights Zicone had endured the tension between Tiberan and the Vampirex as they invented new ways to scowl, sneer, and give dirty looks at each other. Neither of them said a word to the other aside from perhaps a grunt and Zicone wondered if the universe would explode if either of them opened their mouths to speak a sentence directed at the other. Zicone's initial euphoria over the quest and his emotions at leaving his friends had been sort of nibbled away by just how much hate crossed between the other two. Runa had volunteered to scout out the land ahead earlier that day. Zicone congratulated her for coming up with an excuse to escape...

"I hope Runa returns soon," Zicone said to the figures flanking him, "I guess we should count ourselves lucky we haven't spotted any demons."

"I've been hoping to see the creatures up close," the Vampirex said, "It'd make for an interesting snack."

Tiberan fought the urge to scoff at this but Zicone got curious, "So you're hoping for a good meal?"

"I don't need food," the Vampirex replied.

"Well no, not in the sense we do. But, I mean... well, you are a vampire..."

"I don't need to drink your blood, boy," the Vampirex said, "my body runs entirely on my own energy reserves, which can be replenished when low via the method of blood. It's touching to see your concern considering my activities of late but I have a two-thousand year backlog of energy. It should last me a while."

Zicone continued, "But if you do need blood..."

"Zey^Rey are preferred but not necessary. Though less efficient, I could settle for a human or a deer or something..."

"Right," said Zicone, turning around to face ahead again. He didn't see the Vampirex pause at first. Not hearing his footsteps after five seconds, Zicone turned around and saw a worried look on the Vampirex's face. "What is it?"

"The presence..." the Vampirex muttered, "I felt it before, back in the city. The stooge of Argon..."

"Alva...?" Zicone muttered as he turned around toward the east. Zicone began to feel his brother's presence as well.

"So I was right," said Alva as he appeared from behind one of the trees before Zicone like a ghost, "You have released Thalos."

"A name I didn't much care for," the Vampirex said, "I'm sure that jester told you I kissed his feet and fawned over him, begging him for a name."

"You dare take my master's name in vain!?" Alva snapped.

"Oh, so you worship him then. If anything, Argon of Kavtar always filled his own head with delusions of grandeur. Perhaps you've noticed how full of himself your king is?"

"Shut up! You are nothing compared to my king and master! You are a relic; a failed product of your own ambitions to rule the Zey^Rey!"

The Vampirex snorted, "You really don't have any idea what you're talking about; do you? He's even less well-educated than you are, boy," he tossed back to Zicone.

"Vampirex," calmed Zicone. He shook his head, "Please." The Vampirex rolled his eyes, as if knowing what was to come next.

"Alva, have you considered my offer?" Zicone asked kindly, "It still stands, you know."

"You speak as if we are brothers," Alva sneered, "I already told you we aren't anymore. I will bow down to you no longer, Zicone! It is you who will bow down to me!!"

"And what of your precious master?" asked the Vampirex.

"I told you to shut up!" Alva spat.

"Seems to me like you're going behind his back," the Vampirex continued, "You know that's not a good idea."