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The Calling - Blood and Snow 39.
Authors note:I apologize for the condition of this chapter, I reposted my previous chapter by mistake and I could not delete it so here is a draft of this chapter that I am still working on. I hate posting work in this state but I would rather you read this than pay to re read the last chapter. Sorry.#########By all accounts, the blood thirst is painful• It hums until it roars, driving the afflicted into a blood-lust madness• Even while satiated, the smell of blood or even the very sound of a beating heart can unleash the feral rage without warning• Soldiers would often leave defensive positions and break formations to sink their teeth into the red fog of war• It took no time to concede the futility of mortal tactics while no longer gravitated by injury and death• The soldier's swing carried impossible force, they moved like gusts of wind and every wound healed as fast as it was inflicted• You would think the blood army were angels by their astonishing beauty if not for the horrors
The Calling - Blood and Snow 01.
"Ashes of battle suffocated the frozen air like black snow. Thieves scurried like vultures seeking their prizes for sacrilege and disdain; wedding rings, pocket watches and blades that shine like the silver for which souls are traded.”The tavern table filled with hankering ears, enough to keep a story tellers tongue wet."It flew upon the battlefield from the Heavens as death: a hurricane cutting down all champions without care for colours nor cause. She was possessed, a demon, and brought Hell with her!""A wench!?" A voice scoffs in the moment of tanker tilting."Make no mistake, this is no fairy tale... Her husband was a farmer, a man of good qualities, people called him Sunny on account of his constant smile. One dark morning, Sunny returned home with a chest he had found washed up on his land. Ancient according to the runes carved on all sides, crafted in polished ebony and locks that took the blacksmith thirteen days to unfold. Brass joints screamed woe in a creak only things
The Calling - Blood and Snow 02.
Faris enquiries about the foreign fabric with tailors of the stone city to no avail. With all mainstream revenues checked off, Faris follows the laughter and duff drums that emanate from the Nakhflay camp for leads. Tall dome tents, colourful rugs, exotic spices and outdoor cooking contrast gothic churches and white Baroque streets of the rest of Vatala.Faris joins the shushing crowd by the fire right on time to hear Veryth sing. Holding everyone's gaze, dressed in traditional blue with Ottoman trim, gracefully stood before her people calm and relaxed. An audience of sincere smiles, warm families, close partners, tamed birds and high seated elders. Tankers of fruit juice and tea cups are flowing, no one's wooden bowls are less than half full of rabbit and lentil stew. *Slow melodious humming from the crowd * "It began under a moon, Hundreds of years ago, For the love of one woman two warriors tried to woo. She had died young in life, But a spell trapped her soul, And the master
The Calling - Blood and Snow 03.
"Faris my love,It has been longer than my heart can bare since feeling the serenity of your embrace● I do not truly know if this letter will ever reach you but I pray it finds you warm and well● These endless unforgiving miles feel like lifetimes for a messenger to bridge and my heart holds no ease● I just know as deep and wide are the oceans I miss you● I can not count the tears that fall upon the words you send, nor the times I hold them to my nose hoping to capture a ghost of your scent when mother can not see● Your letter arrived this morning, dated almost two moons ago● How is my heart supposed to make it through the days without you? My only comfort is that we sleep under the same heavens● Sometimes I dream we are all together● No distance, no loss● When I awake my heart feels as empty as my chambers, nowhere is home without you● My Father always asks me when are you to visit● The doctors claim my mother with each visit improves slightly but I suspect all is a scam simply to s
The Calling - Blood and Snow 04.
Chasing the sounds of danger and distress Faris and Axil race deep into the northern black forest. Closing into the commotion, hounds of the night are circling, furious and hungry for flesh. "Wait, do you see them? I make out seven." Axil says, halting to a crouching position, staring into the dark. "And somebody on top. Looks like a boy.." "Any ideas?" "Just one." "Hello there!!" Axil calls. "Hello? Please help!" A woman's voice replies from atop the prison. "We are working on it, just don't move!" Axil and Faris feel the ground for dead branches and twigs. Tying them together with travel bandages they light the two torches. Holding the swords and torches above their heads, the two stand side by side, creating the appearance of a large creature and begin moving towards the rock. Replicating the sounds of a bear, slowly they walk forward. "If this does not work..." "Relax, it'll work." Faris assures his very nervous friend. The wolves are barking and snarling, trying to
The Calling - Blood and Snow 05.
Nakhflay Tents are large with multiple rooms fashioned from soft furnishings, fur rugs and leather wrappings. Rooms glow from lanterns and central fireplaces. Low Wooden tables hold enchanted bottles, treasure boxes, mystical ingredients and ivory ornaments. Curtains and dividers, carpets and rugs, wall mounted weapons and large lock boxes. Blankets and coffee, great food and joyful conversation are the soul of the camp. Inside the warmth of home, Veryth awaits her husband's return from work. Pouring water till it touches her fingertip, placing the glass to her lips she tilts. Feeling her throat hydrate down through each gulp. ~Ok, you are going to check the new soaps, heat some water and have a nice bath with Avalon candles.. Mmm~Veryth thinks to herself as a cold breeze breaks through the homely warmth."Avalon candles, fine choice" A strangers voice proclaims. "Hello?" "Apologies for spooking you." The woman's voice acknowledges from the curtain by the front door."I was noti
The Calling - Blood and Snow 06.
By the campfire the three silhouettes gather; Axil cooking rabbit, Miya draped in Faris's coat while Faris secures the makeshift tent, binding the final knot. Crickets chirp loud, owls hoot and fireflies glow in distant fog. The comforting light and warmth of the fire works magic as Axil cast its delicious spell upon fresh rabbit rubbed in clove, aniseed and garlic infused oil. "Food's ready!" Axil announces over the tense atmosphere with a smile. Unanimously moving in a little closer to eat, Axil offers Miya first pickings to a stoic decline. "Don't be shy, I'm an excellent cook." Axil says in a most friendly manner. "He's alright." Jokes Faris, smiling as such to make Miya feel welcome. "It's not that." She says, on the verge of tears. "You're hurt?" Faris says, noticing the blood on her long red sleeping dress. "I'm not hurt." Miya sobs. "You managed to kill one of the wolves?" Asks Axil, still in wonder about why they were after her. "It's my sister's blood!" She c
The Calling - Blood and Snow 07.
Miya lays still, watching as Faris prays peacefully with beauty and devotion. Lifting his hands in supplication, he whispers the hopes of his heart with emotion. Finishing he notices the pair of eyes looking at him. "Did you manage to get any sleep?" Faris asks. Miya shakes her head. "What language was that?" "Arabiya, the language of my homeland." "Oh. Originally, are you from somewhere far? "I was born in Filosteen, more than a full moon's ride from here." Faris says while looking at the ground. "You say that in sadness. Do you not like it here?" Miya reluctantly asks. "It's not that. I miss my wife. I've not seen her in too long." He says placing his fingertips on his head as he sits. "You have a good heart. Would you....." "Where's Axil?"Faris asks, shocked to not see him sleeping. "I'm not sure." Faris picks up his sword and runs a little forward "Axil!" He calls, loud and long. "Wait here!" Faris stands atop a tree stump and calls again and again and again, fa
Latest Chapter
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
39.
Authors note:I apologize for the condition of this chapter, I reposted my previous chapter by mistake and I could not delete it so here is a draft of this chapter that I am still working on. I hate posting work in this state but I would rather you read this than pay to re read the last chapter. Sorry.#########By all accounts, the blood thirst is painful• It hums until it roars, driving the afflicted into a blood-lust madness• Even while satiated, the smell of blood or even the very sound of a beating heart can unleash the feral rage without warning• Soldiers would often leave defensive positions and break formations to sink their teeth into the red fog of war• It took no time to concede the futility of mortal tactics while no longer gravitated by injury and death• The soldier's swing carried impossible force, they moved like gusts of wind and every wound healed as fast as it was inflicted• You would think the blood army were angels by their astonishing beauty if not for the horrors
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
38.
The night is cast over the stone crown, and the burning glow of Faris's blood-fueled eyes is concealed beneath dark lenses. Unwanting to be seen, Faris moves through the shadows of the oil lamps, his steps sinking into the damp dust, pine, rotting food, berries, and perfume that have soaked the fogged air like dye. Everywhere he goes, he's met with the stench of footsteps, sharp breath, mumbles of madness, and the people around him appear more like carcasses ready for consumption, drawing out demons like thorns draw blood. Faris's thoughts are filled with the faces of his daughter, his best friend, his wife and above all, Veryth and her unborn child dulling the sharp edge of thirst that stabs from every direction. As he gets closer to his target, the Nakhflay camp, the smooth flow of his steps slows, and he is filled with dread. He has experienced opening doors into rooms he wished not to be, and crossing lines he wished he never had but the camp just seems like it's too much to face.
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
37.
The harp of morn serenaded a sleeping camp of silver warriors. Through frosted nights the hunters moved, unknowing of what pursued them by day. Vampire killers - The Legion of Dawn as they were known, armoured and well prepared for all creatures of magic and darkness but, young Dolkan, was human. Ambition, pride, power, a promise. Proving himself worthy of the dark gift and a worthy successor to the throne, he took an oath to destroy the greatest threat to the immortal kingdom. Black oak tablets lay the perimeter like dominoes carved with runes of protection, impossible for vampires, wraiths or ghouls to cross. No mortal would dare attack a camp of well-trained soldiers with nothing but steel to gain. The tiger is hunted not for its fur but for its claws, but, The Legion of Dawn were no mere tigers. Of the nine tents facing the fire, eight lay occupied. Day watch makes his circles atop the mount with vigilance and poise, taking no second for rest. Heavily armoured, armed with a mace
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
36.
Veryth is awoken from a dream of happyness by the song of rain echoing through harsh frost. Dreaming of her husbands warm arms, only to find Schenade has crawled into her bed again. Finally asleep after another late night, this is the only time Veryth does not need to hide her tears. - The darkness of home would be navigated with cautious strides to the lamps usually but even the darkest of corners appeared shaded in light. Water hissed in his ears and every droplet seemed to have its place as it ran red through his hold sharp fingers. Catching the icy water in his palm he gargles and throws the cold against his face, closing his eyes to flashbacks of failure, fear and blood. Taking his Miswaak(toothbrush) and openining his mouth he stands opposite his reflection - his reflection stares back judging and scolding. Burning eyes of bright amber stood a stark contrast to his ashen skin and black dishevelled hair, sharpened teeth as long as his nails; a far cry from the face his wife knew
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
35.
By the roaring fire, Daniella and Rohain laugh over roasted rabbit and black coffee. "I've never seen a helmet have the faceplate lock forward before. It is rather clever." "Eating alone is not always an option. You learn to adapt." "You know, people will not judge you for breaking an oath you made voluntarily." "People always judge others, especially by their appearance." "Are you concerned people will judge you if you are ugly?" "No." Rohain leans in. "As you get older, you will notice how people become more interested in how you look than who you are." "People are so callous in reflection of my guise?" Daniella sighs. "It's human nature to judge by the apparent. People are judged so radically for their appearance despite it being the one thing about ourselves we control the least. Being pretty can be a curse just as much as disfigurement." "Why is the human race... ...so dogmatic?" Daniella questions, trying to hide a world of pain. "Most people are shallow, vile mons
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
34.
"Think I should get a piercing or a tattoo?" Daniella asks. Rohain turns to face her, even through his helmet an expression of confusion and exclamation show through. "Too much?" "Why would you do such a thing?" Rohain asks as he dismounts Phantom. "I don't know, just to feel different I suppose. Something to represent all of this. A memento if you will." Rohain helps Daniella down. "Your hand is not enough?" Daniella looks at her bandage, turning her hand. "I want something that I have chosen, on my terms." "You do not need a reminder to represent hardship or triumph. The things that matter most, we carry in here." Rohain says while tapping his heart. "Are you sure you want to set up camp here? We are close." "They are forbidden from opening the city gates after nightfall." Phantom watches as Daniella pulls the wood bunch and lays it down before making a circle of rocks to set the fire. Rohain lays out the under-sheet and pegs it down. "Hand me those will you?" Daniel
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
33.
Coughs of hopelessness echo through the frosted darkness, hanging chains, aged bars and the stench of rot sinking through the opening of a large metal box. Candles glow the sound of a quill scraping final thoughts into unrolled paper... Dear Veryth,As I write to you now, I fear you will never hear my last words. All I have ever known from you is love and care, trust and paitence. Everyday with you has been a blessing I have never diserved but have always needed. Closing my eyes your smile is all that keeps me sane in this madness. I know not if I will ever see you again or if you could ever forgive me for dying without saying goodbye as much as it hurts. I'm not much of a writer, never have been so do not look upon my simple words without understanding the love and sorrow between the lines.I don't know how long they have kept me here, I just know it's cold, dark and silent at all times. After all these years, we are finally expecting a baby but fate can be cruel. What once was my gr
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
32. Journal
The 1st Blood scroll My name is Hafidh● Anointed the personal scribe of Lord Vladimir● A better honour than a prisoner, a better title than a slave, tasked with documenting history as I witness it for purpose of glory and warning● My upbringing was nothing extraordinary; a father addicted to working long hours, a mother of poor health and a brother to call "friend"● My education was torn short by corruption for when my brother opposed, he was banished from the academy and I chose to follow my loyalties● The wheel of time turned my early years into a simple working man like a father with less ambition than prospects while my brother found his own path● I lived most of my life with a gaze as low as the sunken sun until eventually I saw the elite, stars, and realised the world had far more to offer than I ever claimed● It was not easy to realise the shade I had become but harsh words from wise men awoke me from the slumber of a relinquished state of mind● Dreaming of being a renowned w
- The Calling - Blood and Snow
31. Journal
The 3rd Blood Scroll Bells rang through the city as the ashes of war began to settle like snow● The siege finally ended after enough blood flowed to fill the former king's skull with fear and remorse● Citizens were still collecting arrows, extinguishing fires and burying the dead as the conqueror came to claim his new crown● Parading through the city streets, his towering shadow cast dismay and awe by all sanctified to behold● Stench of charred flesh, grit of the poisoned throats, whimpers of hunger and rattling of prison bonds - Vladimir knew his subjects were in no condition to commemorate their liberation● No doubt the former king was discriminatory, a tyrant whose only claim to the throne was being the sole heir to a king who cared more about the topics of his goblet than the plate's of his people● Taxes kept the kingdom sunken in deficiency while the defeated king had indulged in exotic fruits and low association● Those educated in the ways of magic were clawed from society as w
