The Secrecy

Prologue

                                               Ark gazed at the tavern with the utmost scrutiny. It was made of dark wood just to blend into the forest when nightfall came. Poitkael was always dark in some way, whether it be the people--literally--or the grounds. For some reason, the land was different. Much different.

It was always the best place for his coven to hide.

He stepped forward towards the decently sized pub, throwing open the wooden doors. The bard situated near the entrance didn't cease his performance, but every eye including his was trained on the vampire that traipsed over the entryway. The locals of Poitkael grew calm when they noticed his shock of white blonde hair and the way his blue eyes captured the fire burning within the candles, glowing like fireflies.

"Aye, Cain. Been a minute." Came the welcome of the owner and bartender. "What'll ye have? 'Fraid I'm low on nourishments for that crew of yours. Ye came a bit early this time."

Ark shook his head and waved the offer away, "No need, but your thoughts are appreciated." He approached the bar, the rest of the tavern's customer turning deaf ears on their quiet conversation. The vampire leaned across the surface, his long arm catching the edge. "Suppose I'll take a blue Agnes, Villeim."

The bartender cocked an eyebrow at his patron's request, "Believe she's left the building a tick. Next shipment falls on the end of this week. Great lot of them, they'll unquestionably be here many weeks before they go out of season again."

Ark made a noise, it sounded on the border of acceptance and persistence. He tapped his finger against the dark wooden surface of the bar. Three times, the last two in quick succession. The bartender followed his movements.

"Of course. I hear the blue lilies are rapturous this season." To this, Villeim drew a long breath. He placed down the ale bottle he was to serve to the patron across the room and proceeded to walk round.

He smiled, though it was full of greed, "Aye. Come have a look at the mixings and tell me what you like." The burly man gave the vampire a warm, friendly slap on the back and the two men were off to the cellar just below them.

The stairs were neatly tucked away in a dark, damp corner that patrons were forbidden from. A few drunkards managed to make their way over on a number of occasions, but they "left town" once they'd witnessed the acquirings beneath.

As the two men reached the foot of the doorway at the end of the steps, Villeim turned to block the door with his torso. Ark gave a low whistle and shot his eyes back towards the main room.

"Fully packed, I see. Your pocket must be singing sweet tunes this night." He whispered so as not to draw attention, though he knew his mere presence already had.

"Ye mean this season. Tis why I said she's unavailable. For such a show, I ask a percentage more on the coin. Can't have the regulars fearing the svaldkir round these parts."

Ark chuckled, "Eiis, cannot have your business run into the ground on account of my existence, now. How's ten percent for you, friend?" He withdrew a countless amount of shillings from his own pocket, the clink and jingle of them enough to calm the burly bartender. He softened and moved from the doorway.

Once Villeim was gone and back to his bar, Ark drew his fist up and knocked on the dark wood the same way he had on the bar. Three times, the last two hits close together. The door opened slowly and by itself, Ark squeezed through the gap.

He took step forward, and then a second and a third.

"One more and your 'ead comes off." Came a distinct, thickly accented voice amidst the darkness. She drew a match, and struck it against the sole of her boot, the small flame only illuminating her face. She was hard to see, but that was the point. "You know I am not at your disposal at this time."