The Dawnguard Hunter

The Ancient Shadow

"So what are you going to do when we get back to Riften?" Erik asked Rayan as he moved his horse closer to him for the conversation.

"What do you mean?" Rayan asked.

"I mean, are you going to find Victoria or not while we're here?"

"Depends on how long we stay here."

"We're just going to ask the innkeeper and the carriage driver outside the city, so not even an hour if we are lucky."

"Then why would you ask me about Victoria if we aren't even going to be here that long" Rayan said in a frustrated tone. "That is the same about me asking you if you're going to find Mhara to say 'hello' or something. It'd be a waste of time and would get hopes up only to have them ripped down."

"But Mhara-" Erik stammered.

"But nothing!" Rayan cut him off. "I've seen how you look at her, you gave her the same look I gave Victoria when I carried her to Riften even after she tried to kill me. I would spend every waking moment with her if I could, and you'd do the same with Mhara. The relationship I have with Victoria is more than just a good fucking here and there. I feel complete when I'm with her and she with me no matter what we are doing."

"I'm sorry Master." Erik said in a meek voice. "I can see that you are irritated and you miss her. I wasn't thinking."

"Of course I fucking miss her." Rayan said starting to calm down a bit. "And thank you for understanding."

Rayan then took out a water skin pouch and took a drink to wash the distaste out of his mouth, spat, and took another drink.

They rode in silence for a while passing over a bridge.

"You clearly love this person." Serana said.

"You have no idea." Erik added.

"Stop." Rayan said suddenly as his horse halted.

"I didn't mean-"

"Shut it." Rayan said as he got off his horse and drew sword.

Erik realized what was happening and did the same along with Serana.

Rayan moved to one side of the bridge looking over then to the other side.

"Well well." A rough sounding voice said. "Very few can ever hear me. Impressive"

Rayan looked at where they came from on the bridge to see a shadowy figure standing there.

He wore a long black frock coat that even in broad daylight emanated darkness from his shadow almost seeming to amplify all the shadows around him reeking of power as he took a step forward.

"Arkinwrath." Serana said with surprise. "Why are you here?"

"Because, Harkon wants his lost precious daughter to return to him yet again." Arkinwrath said taking another step.

"You know what he plans to do right?" Serana asked slowly backing up.

"Of course dear, why else do you think I am her." Arkinwrath said. "But first. Lets have some introductions. As previously stated by the dear Serana. My name is Arkinwrath and I am a vampire to put it plainly an old one if that makes it any better."

"I don't believe you monster." Erik said before charging him.

"NO ERIK WAIT!" Rayan shouted chasing after Erik.

Arkinwrath exploded into a group of bats flying behind Erik before reappearing and throwing him over the bridge as one would throw a pebble in a body of water. Qucikley turning his head at Rayan.