Decimandria: Fangs of Anger

Chapter 2: Negotiations with Death

Valek just stood there observing the village. Even at this distance, he could sense the rampant panic among the werewolves; how the entire village was worried about a small group of vampires. It was clear to even the werewolves who had the overwhelming advantage. But Valek wasn't focused on those irrelevant creatures. His attention was focused on the four powerful figures staring back at him from the open gates...and the fifth one too. 

"My Lord, " said Sierra. "Forgive my boldness, but I still don't think there is any reason that you yourself had to come down here and deal with these....lowlifes." 

Valek turned to look at her and smiled; standing so tall, so protective of him. He grinned. "Your honorifics always have a habit of putting me on way too tall of a throne." 

Sierra turned around a bit indignantly. "They're what you deserve, my Lord! Seeing what you are, your role, what you've done for us vampires..." she turned a little red. "What you've done for...for me... You are worthy of that respect." 

Valek smiled and nodded. "I appreciate your high regards of me, Sierra. I really do." He sighed. "As for this matter, well, I ignored it once, didn't I? And that resulted in the death of twelve of our numbers. More importantly, it tainted the name of The Order. Those who dare to strike us, will be turned into examples so that none other may even think about it. As such, I've come down here personally." 

"But...my Lord...I could've killed them all myself too." said Sierra, a bit upset. Does he...does he doubt me? Does he not believe I'll be able to carry out a massacre without losing myself like...like that time? 

Valek read her thoughts pretty easily. He tapped her gently on the shoulder. "I don't doubt your ability to fight, Lady Voidfire. It's just that we're not here to kill...for now. Especially, the...two werewolves here that I'm quite curious about; you know which ones. You are not to harm them unless I say so." Sierra nodded. Valek continued. "For now, I need to know for myself what exactly happened at the Summit...and see this little werewolf pack for myself." Sierra nodded just a split second slower, but enough for Valek to catch it.

"Anyway, down to business." said Valek, turning back to the village. He motioned to the five vampires behind him who appeared to be magically floating sacks filled with bodies, to follow him. With Valek leading the procession, Sierra right behind him, and the five vampires following at a respectful distance, they started walking down the path toward the village.  

"What!?" exclaimed Sheraff. "They're...they're just gonna waltz right up to us? What's going on?" 

Valentine seemed to have an unnatural air of calmness around him. It could even be said an aura of serenity. He had his eyes closed as he walked toward the village, as if enjoying the gentle breeze that was playing on his face. Each step precise, calm...yet somehow calculated and sinister.

The six vampires were getting closer and closer to the village. Even Sheraff froze for a second, processing what was going on. Theraff, unnaturally fidgety, looked around. He noticed Valentine's unaffected aura. How he seemed perfectly in control, yet not controlling at all. He turned to look at his brother and saw Sheraff similarly mesmerized. His panic increased. He spun around and looked up at the archers, standing ready for orders. That's it!

"Archers!" Theraff shouted. "Nock!" 

The archer werewolves immediately nocked their arrows, suddenly snapping out of their reverie. 

"No, wai-" began Sheraff as he realized what Theraff was doing. 

"Fire!" shouted Theraff deafeningly.