Somewhere in Time

Chapter Eight

Bruce's stomach grumbled as he inspected several rows of long tables dressed with a hearty affair. Turkeys, suckling pigs, fruits ripe to perfection, glimmered in the ever-changing light.

The host arose from the dais, gesturing before him. "Please, enjoy this supper."

Nate gazed around, and asked him, "Have you eaten?"

"Oh, yes," he replied, "I couldn't possibly have another bite."

The wizard continued,"None of this has been touched, so i'd like an explanation."

Nathaniel sat down infront of one of the meals. The rest of the men followed, but he rose a hand, and the gang halted.

He rose his hands in the air and received, again, both wands; waving both in opposite directions along the dinner table. The array of provisions slowly began to writhe. Eventually, several pythons were uncoiling their camouflaged bodies from the silver platters.

In a split second, Nate looked up from the facade, and the host had lunged toward his jugular. He became weak, falling to the carpeted floor in a matter of mere moments.

Diamond shrieked, the sonic waves flipping the tables and blowing the unknown man away from the bleeding wizard. Snakes fled in all directions, as the merman went after his victim, lifting him by the collar of his tunic. He opened his mouth again, eyes glowing red, and proceeded to inhale for another sonic attack, when the bloodsucker spoke, "Okay! Okay! So I underestimated your party!"

The merman threw him hard against the carpet, "Explain. NOW."

"I-I didn't think there would be a merman disguised among your ranks, v-very clever," he nervously rubbed his hands together, "Perhaps we may help each other out."

Dave's doppelgänger lunged forward, and the monster screamed a cowardly scream. 

"Okay! Okay! I will give your friend the antidote, if only you spare my life."

For the first time, our hero joined the conversation, "And why should we do that?:

The knight's eyes followed those of the host, to his friend, lying catatonic, growing paler and paler. He continued to observe Nathaniel as the assailant went on.

"I am Janerius, the only of my kind for the last five thousand millennia. Since your friend here would not let me finish my meal, my venom has taken hold of the wizard's body. Soon, the magician will be like me, a nocturnal creature feeding upon the life of the innocent; that is, unless you decide to spare me."

With the vampiric features and dim, eerie lighting, it was hard for Bruce to discern that this man was a Janick look-alike. Though he did not catch on right away, he was no longer surprised at such a notion. This, for him, had become some kind of Oz-Type fever dream, and he would be glad when it's over.

This time, the rogue added his words, "Give us the antidote and be done with it."

A groan escaped from the wounded, his flickering lids revealing crimson irises.

Janerius laughed, "Tell me where you're going first."

The vampire ran, barely avoiding Merman Murray's vocal assault. He preternaturally sprinted around the dining hall, confusing his opponent.

"What's it to you?" Adam inquired. He held an arm out, stopping Diamond, so that Janerius could safely answer.

"I collect apothic ingredients."

"No," he responded, "we're not grocery shopping for you." 

The vampire stepped closer, hands clasped behind his back.

"All that I ask, is that you bring me something interesting from your travels."

Diamond shouted, "You said all we have to do is spare your life! If that isn't enough, I will gladly take it!"

"Ssh," Adam motioned.

He stepped forward again.

"Consider it a favor of good faith among friends."

The rogue cocked his head sideways, shaking it.

"Nothing in life comes free."

Janerius sighed, "I will give everyone in your party immunity until the end of your days."

"No nasty surprises."

".......... no"

Cautiously, Adam shook his hand, the merman watching vigilantly behind him. 

"We're on our way to meet Lord Dusk."

"Perfect," exclaimed the host, "if you could be so kind as to bring to me, a wing from one of the pit beasts."

"Think you can do that, Sir knight?" 

Bruce's attention snapped to Adam, "I have no stake in this. I plan on leaving when all of this is over."

"Very well," answered the rogue, "I will think of something."

Nathaniel let out a loud moan, his arm going limp, perpendicular to his side and releasing a wand. It rolled to the feet of the rogue. Picking it up, Adam asked for an explanation. All he received was silence, and he pocketed the item in comprehension of what the man was trying to convey.

Janerius went on, "The cure will take two revolutions to take effect. Your friend will need rest."

Sir Paul squatted next to the invalid, "What are you suggesting?"

At this point, all eyes were on Nathaniel.

"He needs to stay behind." added Diamond.

This time, Bruce lunged toward the bloodthirsty creature, sword in hand, "You ask for quite alot, to be such a desperate monster! He pointed the blade under the vampire's chin. Perhaps we can raid the tower in search of the antidote."

"I'm sorry, but that is the way of it."

Bruce growled.

"Calm down, the merman Interjected, "he's right. Your friend needs care, and that will only slow us down."

"He will be safe here. He'll be in danger out there," Janerius gestured toward the entrance of the room.

"So be it." Bruce decided, "if any harm comes to him, the king will know of it immediately."

The vampire slowly nodded in agreement, hands remaining up in defense, "I'll get to work right away."

The knight looked to Diamond and Adam, all nodded in agreement. 

"Let's head out. The sooner we finish this, the better."