Claws of Eternity ✔️

Chapter 21: Homo homini lupus

VLAD

They must've reached Cardona by now, Vlad thought, if they hadn't run into any sort of trouble. He was walking down the stairs of his own castle, the meeting was to be held at the Border. He didn't like admitting it, but something close to fear stirred in the depths of him. Codrin was by his side, a nervous wreck with a bottle of wine in his hand. Both of them have started drinking early today. Vlad only knew one thing, someone was running this game for him and he didn't like his games being out of his control. He needed to get the upper hand, quickly.

Talking to Unknowns was a tricky business and Vlad counted on them remembering he used to fight for their rights. He wanted to stop the absurd exiling and let as many of them as possible live inside the Border. He strongly believed people can get a hold of their temper.

"Remember when you've had this absurd suggestion that we should talk to Bryce during the rebellion? This reminds of that time." Codrin said, smiling nervously.

"I stayed out of that rebellion and that plan failed, Codrin." Vlad reminded him.

"Well, yes, the part where it failed is carved into my memory. This is a bit similar."

"Have some faith, my friend, at least I'm keeping it interesting." Said Vlad.

"I'm an old man, Vlad, I would like to die in peace, preferably with some mead and a woman absurdly younger than myself."

They've reached the clearing in front of the castle and were right now heading for the woods.

"Codrin, it is time to accept that we cannot bribe any woman into sleeping with you anymore."

"I like to think of myself as a wise grandpa, it can be charming." Codrin smiled.

The night was clear and Vlad was grateful, people can get so used to the sun they forget how bright the moon is. They were alone, Dinu was lurking somewhere in case things go wrong, but other than that, Vlad and Codrin were alone on this endeavour. Once they've reached the Border, they sat on a stone in the middle of the woods.

"Why are you so sure they'll even show?" Asked Codrin. In these woods, Vlad had to choose his words carefully, all kinds of things were listening.

"I'm not, but I am certain we can benefit from this meeting." He said, adjusting his eyes to the sudden darkness. Winter was here and the ground was cold. If it were some other woods, they would've probably seen better but the woods around Bran were dark even during winter. Vlad always admired trees for adapting themselves to the harshness of winter, defeating the greatest enemy of nature, by simply creating strong leaves that would never fall off.

"I could benefit from not working anymore." Codrin murmured and Vlad smiled.

"Come on, now, Codrin, you cannot live forever. You're already three thousand years old. Perhaps it's time to die." Pure disbelief was written all over Codrin's face.

"You know, if I had played it better when I was younger, I could've been Jesus now. It could've been Holy Codrin."

"You still can." Suggested Vlad.

"Oh, no, Jesus was a lovely fella, I would never steal his fame."

Right as they went silent, the trees rustled. Vlad had found himself in many dangerous situations during his life and this time they at least had the Border on their side. Crossing the Border didn't disturb those who had permission to enter, only those locked on the outside. Five men stepped out of the darkness, which meant they had much more behind them. But Vlad didn't really mind, they haven't met Dinu. They were dressed in fighting gear and had steel armours across their hearts and around their necks. It was typical for vampires to wear such accessories, seeing as their heart and their neck was the most vulnerable part of them. But in their hands, they had wooden daggers with a steel hilt. Vlad had a sword, a sharp, light sword forged in silver, with a silver spike. In the middle, where no one could see, a wooden interior lay. It was a weapon that cut through skin like butter and once it was inside a vampire's body, nothing could defend him against wood.