Chapter 4
Weeks went by, and the few villagers that remained became used to the new citizens. The Lycans made themselves useful, keeping busy doing repairs and making good use of neglected buildings, and already had a handful of dwellings in liveable condition. Farkas, one of Lucian’s men who had headed a team of miners back at Viktor’s stronghold, reported that there were some abandoned mines at the foot of the mountain. He felt they still had a lot of ore to yield. Lucian had commanded him to get a team together and start bringing that ore to the village. He looked forward to an opportunity to work in the forge, now that he had it fit for use.
Krisztina’s inn became a focal point for the Lycans. All the Lycans showed tenderness towards the inn’s keeper, never forgetting the kindness and charity she had shown them on their arrival. There wasn’t a one amongst them that would not stand between her and danger. Lucian, their Alpha and king, the first of the Lycans, was afforded the greatest respect. He could regularly be seen deep in conversation with a number of his men at one of the tables. Krisztina always made sure that he was fed, as she had noticed that he could become so deeply engrossed in his duties and care for his men, that he seldom remembered to take care of himself.
Early one morning, Krisztina was up in the loft area of the inn, where her bed was. There was a very small window towards the east, and she could see into the smithy. She watched as Lucian strode in and proceeded to light the forge. She watched for a while as he pumped the bellows, slightly ashamed at how watching him made her feel.
She decided to go over and talk to him, but did not want to go over empty handed. She went to the kitchen, and assessed the very sparsely stocked pantry. It looked like another piece of jewellery might need to be sold soon. She picked up a flask of wine, and some of the strudel she had made yesterday.
As she approached the forge, she saw that Lucian had taken his shirt off. The heat was quite intense even from where she was stood, and she could see that his skin glistened with sweat. The muscles in his arm were taught from the effort of the labour, and she could see all too clearly that he was in very good shape physically. He was massively muscled in the way that Raze was, but lithe and agile. With the noise of the bellows, he must not have heard her draw near. She was just about to shout for his attention, when she noticed the scars on his back. There were great wealds that from the pattern, must have been caused by a whip of some kind. The scars however, looked like they had been done with a blade. Before she realised what she was doing, her hand was reaching out towards the scars.
At that moment, Lucian turned around, and woke her from her reverie. He looked around, just in time to see her arm drop to her side, and was startled to see someone behind him. He smiled a greeting, which she returned.
‘I thought you may be thirsty, and brought you some refreshments,’ she explained, and placed the jug and the wrapped pastry on a bench to the side.
Lucian put down his tools, and took off his gloves. ‘Thank you, that is very thoughtful,’ he said as his chest heaved. Krisztina could not help but look at the small beads of sweat clinging to the hair on his chest. She forced herself to keep her eyes on his face. She blushed slightly, convinced that he would be able to see the very thoughts in her head with his intense gaze.
‘Someone has to look after you,’ she added.
‘And who will look after you?’ He teased her as he looked over the top of the jug while he drank straight from the vessel, not bothering to use the cup.
Krisztina was not sure how to respond, and for a brief second stood there with her mouth open. The moment was then broken, as they both heard some shouts from over near the inn. The saw Raze, who was carrying someone that looked like Sabas, and they were accompanied by a few of the men that Krisztina knew worked in the mines.
The two of them ran towards the group, Lucian easily sprinting far ahead of her. When she arrived a second or two behind Lucian, she saw that it was Sabas, and his right leg was broken very badly. So much so, that the tibia was poking sharply through the skin. He was obviously in a great amount of pain, but was hardly showing it. Krisztina did not hesitate in taking over. Practically shoving Lucian out of the way she proceeded to order the men about.
‘János! Go find me two pieces of straight wood. Lucian – go fetch me some water. Raze – follow me.’
Everyone did what they were told without question. Krisztina directed Raze upstairs into one of the three guest bedrooms, and directed him to place Sabas on the bed. Meanwhile, she quickly grabbed a few things from the kitchen and then followed. Lucian flew into the room soon after her, and handed her the water.
She passed some pálinka that she had brought upstairs with her, and poured some into Sabas with a remark, ‘For the pain.’
‘Raze, can you hold him steady, I need to set the leg. Lucian – can you hold his knee.’
She gripped firmly round the ankles, and looked once at Sabas. Her eyes full of sympathy, she said softly, ’This will hurt.’ She nodded at Raze, and with all her strength gave the leg a quick pull ensuring she kept it straight. Sabas let out such a howl of pain, that Krisztina was startled for a moment. She realised that there would be some outburst, but the sound had such an unearthly quality that it made the hairs on the back of hair neck stand up. Something in the sound tugged at the primeval fear in all humans of predators.
‘Where is János with that wood?’ But as she spoke she heard him running up the stairs. She passed a bed sheet to him in exchange for the wood, and asked him to tear into strips. While he did that, she poured some of the brandy over the wound to clear away some of the blood. The wound started to bleed faster again, but there was no bone visible. She got Lucian to press some of the torn bed sheet over the wound, while she threaded a small needle. She then passed the liquor back to Sabas and he took another swallow. She proceeded to sew his wound together with small and quick stitches. Then the wood was placed either side of the leg, and bound with the strips of bedding.
‘Let’s all leave him alone to rest now,’ and she ushered everyone out of the room. She strode back to the bed and placed a cool hand across his brow. Sabas grabbed it, and placed it to his lips. She smiled kindly, and told him to rest.
She left the door slightly ajar, and joined the others back down stairs. János immediately came over and thanked her profusely.
‘He is still young and healthy, I am sure he will heal just fine,’ she reassured him.
‘And I am sure he will be even more in love with you,’ he laughed, obviously very relieved at her assurances of his friend’s recovery. He left to let the others know what had happened.
She then entered her pantry, and gathered a few of the dried herbs she had there. She made a draft with some dried Camomile and Lavender to relax him and help him sleep, and also a herb poultice including Marigold that would reduce the inflammation. She slipped back upstairs to administer the treatments.
Lucian stood as she approached the table he shared Raze. ‘It seems that we are in your debt once again.’
‘Nonsense,’ she said. ‘You and your men have brought life, and vitality to this village. Eventually, others will move here, and it will have a future – and I might have a business again,’ she laughed.
Lucian wished that there was something he could do to repay her, and remembered that Old György said that she had sold jewellery and fine clothes to buy food for the villagers. He decided to make her something in his forge. His hand instinctively went to touch Sonja’s pendant, that was in his pocket. Not that, but something worthy of her. He would ask Farkas to keep an eye out for precious metals.
Monday, 23 February 2009
Embrace of the Lycan - Chapter 3
Chapter 3
As promised the following day Sabas returned to the Inn with János, and the two of them repaired the roof as best as they could. The two of them seemed in good spirits, and flirted outrageously with Krisztina. Meanwhile, Lucian paid a visit to Old György. The man that answered the door was grey haired and weathered. Inside his home there was very little furniture. There was a small bed in the corner, and a chair near the fire that had a moth eaten cushion on it. There was a wall hanging that pictured some forgotten great dead, and looked like it had been of the finest quality once upon a time. Now, it was sun bleached and frayed. Lucian politely introduced himself and explained that he had recently found himself a free man, along with his men. He wished to settle here in Hidas. ‘How would that go with the local Duke?’
György looked at the serious younger man that stood before him. ‘I think it would go just fine if you paid him some taxes,’ the old man chuckled. ‘This village is needin’ some young men around the place. Hasn’t been anyone to work the fields or offer trade for a few years now. All able bodies were taken by that bastard Viktor and his Death Dealers….’
Lucian’s eyes flashed in anger at the mention of Viktor, and could not help the slight lip curl of disdain.
‘… but you would probably know all about that wouldn’t you?’ The old man nodded to himself at Lucian’s reaction. Lucian thought that there was no point in trying to lie to this shrewd old timer.
‘We mean no harm to anyone here,’ he said calmly. ‘We are just looking for somewhere to settle down, and to try and reclaim some kind of life,’ he finished earnestly.
‘That’s fine son, I believe you. It don’t make no difference to me what you get up to on a full moon.’ He had a little chuckle to himself. ‘But between you and me, I would keep the nature of your heritage a secret. There’s few here with any love for Viktor, but they know what happens to those he takes. He changes them. People will always be afraid of what they don’t understand.’
Lucian clasped the old man’s hand, and thanked him sincerely. ‘May I ask, would you be able to recommend me to the Duke as a possible tenant of the Smithy?’
The old man looked pleased, ‘Of course son, I would gladly. We have need of a good smith in the place for sometime now. I am sure your services would be welcomed in this village, and the next.’
‘Is there anything I can do for you in return? I can offer nothing but two strong hands at the moment.’
György smiled, ‘No need son. Krisztina looks after me she does.’
Lucian frowned, not recognising the name. ‘She run’s the Inn over yonder,’ he explained. ‘Inn… bah… more like a charity. She takes care of us old ones, making sure that we don’t go hungry. I wonder how much longer she can keep it up though,’ he shook his head. ‘Her money will be all but gone now I expect.’
‘Ah yes,’ Lucian realised who he was talking about. ‘We had the pleasure of Kristina’s hospitality yesterday. Does she come from money then?’ Lucian enquired.
‘Her mother did. Her mother, Erzsébet, was a beautiful noblewoman, who fell in love with László, a peasant. A handsome peasant he may have been, but still a peasant. He was born and bred in this village, where as Erzsébet’s family owned land over in the east. She brought little of her fortune with her to the marriage as she was disowned by her father, but the two of them were in love, so it didn’t matter.’
He paused for a second while he tried to pour himself a drink of water from a jug, but it was quite full and his hand shook as her lifted it. Lucian swooped in and offered assistance, and nodded to György to continue.
‘Krisztina’s mother died giving birth to her, and her father never forgave her for it. He packed her away to live with her grandmother, who gave her a life of some privilege, but never showed any affection.’ The old man shook his head in dismay.
György continued, ‘She was 16 when the old lady died, so Krisztina returned here, only to be treated like a slave. Her father died a few moons ago with nothing to leave the girl but the inn, and its leaky roof. He had drank away any profits the place managed to make. She sold all her grand dresses and possessions, and has been practically feeding the village on it ever since.’
‘She has shown us great kindness already. I will endeavour to repay her,’ Lucian swore.
‘Just mind you do, just mind you do.’
As promised the following day Sabas returned to the Inn with János, and the two of them repaired the roof as best as they could. The two of them seemed in good spirits, and flirted outrageously with Krisztina. Meanwhile, Lucian paid a visit to Old György. The man that answered the door was grey haired and weathered. Inside his home there was very little furniture. There was a small bed in the corner, and a chair near the fire that had a moth eaten cushion on it. There was a wall hanging that pictured some forgotten great dead, and looked like it had been of the finest quality once upon a time. Now, it was sun bleached and frayed. Lucian politely introduced himself and explained that he had recently found himself a free man, along with his men. He wished to settle here in Hidas. ‘How would that go with the local Duke?’
György looked at the serious younger man that stood before him. ‘I think it would go just fine if you paid him some taxes,’ the old man chuckled. ‘This village is needin’ some young men around the place. Hasn’t been anyone to work the fields or offer trade for a few years now. All able bodies were taken by that bastard Viktor and his Death Dealers….’
Lucian’s eyes flashed in anger at the mention of Viktor, and could not help the slight lip curl of disdain.
‘… but you would probably know all about that wouldn’t you?’ The old man nodded to himself at Lucian’s reaction. Lucian thought that there was no point in trying to lie to this shrewd old timer.
‘We mean no harm to anyone here,’ he said calmly. ‘We are just looking for somewhere to settle down, and to try and reclaim some kind of life,’ he finished earnestly.
‘That’s fine son, I believe you. It don’t make no difference to me what you get up to on a full moon.’ He had a little chuckle to himself. ‘But between you and me, I would keep the nature of your heritage a secret. There’s few here with any love for Viktor, but they know what happens to those he takes. He changes them. People will always be afraid of what they don’t understand.’
Lucian clasped the old man’s hand, and thanked him sincerely. ‘May I ask, would you be able to recommend me to the Duke as a possible tenant of the Smithy?’
The old man looked pleased, ‘Of course son, I would gladly. We have need of a good smith in the place for sometime now. I am sure your services would be welcomed in this village, and the next.’
‘Is there anything I can do for you in return? I can offer nothing but two strong hands at the moment.’
György smiled, ‘No need son. Krisztina looks after me she does.’
Lucian frowned, not recognising the name. ‘She run’s the Inn over yonder,’ he explained. ‘Inn… bah… more like a charity. She takes care of us old ones, making sure that we don’t go hungry. I wonder how much longer she can keep it up though,’ he shook his head. ‘Her money will be all but gone now I expect.’
‘Ah yes,’ Lucian realised who he was talking about. ‘We had the pleasure of Kristina’s hospitality yesterday. Does she come from money then?’ Lucian enquired.
‘Her mother did. Her mother, Erzsébet, was a beautiful noblewoman, who fell in love with László, a peasant. A handsome peasant he may have been, but still a peasant. He was born and bred in this village, where as Erzsébet’s family owned land over in the east. She brought little of her fortune with her to the marriage as she was disowned by her father, but the two of them were in love, so it didn’t matter.’
He paused for a second while he tried to pour himself a drink of water from a jug, but it was quite full and his hand shook as her lifted it. Lucian swooped in and offered assistance, and nodded to György to continue.
‘Krisztina’s mother died giving birth to her, and her father never forgave her for it. He packed her away to live with her grandmother, who gave her a life of some privilege, but never showed any affection.’ The old man shook his head in dismay.
György continued, ‘She was 16 when the old lady died, so Krisztina returned here, only to be treated like a slave. Her father died a few moons ago with nothing to leave the girl but the inn, and its leaky roof. He had drank away any profits the place managed to make. She sold all her grand dresses and possessions, and has been practically feeding the village on it ever since.’
‘She has shown us great kindness already. I will endeavour to repay her,’ Lucian swore.
‘Just mind you do, just mind you do.’
Embrace of the Lycan - Chapter 2
Chapter 2
When they arrived, they could see only one building that looked like it may have any life in it. It was a larger building and in marginally better repair than the dwellings they had passed earlier. Smoke was coming from a chimney, so somebody must be at home. Lucian surmised it was an inn or tavern and made his way towards the door. Raze, who had appointed himself Lucian’s guardian, moved quicker than you would expect for such a big man and ducked through the door first.
There were no customers sat at the half dozen rickety tables, nor could they immediately see any one behind the bar. ‘Barkeep!’ yelled Raze, in his deep thunderous voice, which vibrated a few tankards lined up behind the bar. Within a few seconds a young woman ducked out the small door from behind the bar that led to a kitchen area. Going by the sweet smell that followed her out there was bread or dumplings cooking. She didn’t look too pleased at the intrusion.
‘Why are you bellowing at me like some horny bull?’ Krisztina cried as she closed the kitchen door behind her. She looked up at the dark man-mountain that was towering over her bar and she immediately regretted the comment but felt it was too late to back down now.
‘We want food,’ he grumbled. ‘Bring us what you have… now!’
Krisztina glowered right back and said, ‘Do I look like I am in the habit of giving food away to any cretin that finds its way through my door? Show me your coin first, and I may consider not kicking you right back into what ever hole you just crawled out of.’
Raze’s eyes opened wide in surprise. Here was a man not accustomed to people, especially women, answering him in that tone. He curled a lip and flared his nostrils, and looked as if he was about to swat her with one of his huge fists. Lucian laid a hand on Raze’s forearm, and with a look was able to prevent any further argument.
Krisztina had to admit she was a little impressed. This man was much smaller in stature, but obviously commanded great respect from the rest of the men. He had an edgy fierceness about him that was nothing to do with mass. He was dressed from head to toe in leather, and was armed with a couple of blades strapped to his back. His melancholy face was framed by long dark hair, a small section held back by a piece of leather thong. She looked into his sad green eyes and knew that they had seen trouble, and dealt with it. Going by the state of him and his group, they had recently been through some kind of conflict. The man had a few cuts on his face that looked a several days old, and there appeared to be dried blood on his clothes and in his long matted hair.
Lucian turned towards the woman who stood defiant, despite being alone in front of several ferocious looking men. It was a brave gesture, and he admired her spirit. Even with the worn clothes smudged in flour, she was an attractive woman and seemed quite young, early 20’s perhaps. She was a similar height to him, with long wavy hair that was a much darker brown than his. Her face was lightly tanned and combined with her large dark brown eyes, made her quite striking. What was a woman her age doing running a tavern in this forsaken village?
‘Madam… I apologise for my impolite friend here, but we have recently fought our oppressors, and gained our freedom. We do not have any coin on us at the moment as we are refugees looking for a home.’ He paused to see how this had gone with her so far, yet he saw no emotion on her face as she held his gaze.
‘We would like to settle here, and we plan to work, and build. This village looks half dead, but we are willing to stay and give it new life if it will offer us the same. If you could spare some food for my men here, I promise that we will pay you in kind.’
Lucian continued to look directly at the woman. Her lashes fluttered ever so slightly over her large brown eyes, an indication of some internal dialogue. Her hardened façade seemed to visibly soften, and she waved them towards the tables. She pushed an errant strand of chestnut hair behind her ear and said ‘I have some fresh bread baking in the oven; it will be about another 15 minutes. I can reheat some of the gulyás from yesterday.’
‘That’s very kind, thank you.’ Lucian smiled.
Raze was the last to sit down. He sheepishly asked for some thing to drink, this time far more genteel. Krisztina shortly came back and brought with her some clay jugs of water, and passed them the tankards from behind the bar. This was followed by loaves of warm bread that were big and round, with a thick hard crust.
They broke the bread, breathing in the fragrant steam as the crust broke, and Sabas asked Krisztina what meat was in the gulyás.
She asked in return, ‘How hungry are you?’
‘Very,’ he added.
‘Then don’t ask.’
When the stew was served in clay bowls, its tasty aroma soon quelled any further questions in regard to the ingredients. Krisztina placed generous bowls in front of everyone and then returned behind the bar. Lucian got up, as his men devoured the hot food. He went over to the bar, and Krisztina asked, ‘Are you not hungry?’
Lucian smiled and shook his head. ‘I just wanted to thank you, once again.’ He seemed content to watch his men eat.
Krisztina went to the table, fetched his bowl and placed it firmly in front of him on the bar barking, ‘Eat!’
Not wishing to offend his hostess, Lucian shovelled some stew into his mouth, and realised after that first taste that he was actually quite famished.
‘So, when did this … emancipation of yours happen then? Should we expect a visit from some noble looking to retrieve his ‘property’?’
Lucian paused, a morsel half way to his mouth, and he answered tersely, ‘It happened but a day ago, and no, there will be no noble looking for us.’ Krisztina understood only too well what this implied and decided not to pursue the matter, but could not hide her surprise.
‘A day ago?’ she replied. ‘Those cuts look two or three days old, you must heal fast.’
Lucian regretted his slightly sharp tone earlier, so he smiled at her and said, ‘Yes, you could say that.’
He asked her of her situation, asked why she was in this place alone. Krisztina briefly explained that after her mother’s death, she had been raised by her maternal grandmother in a city many miles away. After her grandmother passed away, she had no choice but to return here to her father. She said although he did not welcome her, he was the only family she had left. He too passed away last winter. She admitted that she sometimes regretted staying at the Inn, as the few travelling merchants, moving between markets were her only custom these days.
The meal over, the men started to get up. János came and thanked Krisztina, and she rewarded him with a wide smile that made his heart flutter. He promised to come by the next day and take a look at a hole he had spotted in her roof. The others muttered their thanks, and with promises of similar aid they filed out the small door.
‘Before you go…’, Krisztina shouted to Lucian. She darted into the back room, and came back with a hessian bag. In it, were half a dozen more loaves and a few kolbász. ‘This is for your friends outside.’ When Lucian looked at her quizzically, she explained. ‘I saw you all arrive in town from my upstairs window. I know that there are more of you out there and I can’t have my new neighbours going hungry.’
‘This is extremely generous of you. We cannot thank you enough for your assistance,’ Lucian replied, genuinely grateful.
‘Oh… no need for such thanks,’ she responded, a little embarrassed. ‘It would all be thrown away anyway, if no one buys it.’ She smiled warmly at Lucian, and pushed a lock of her long hair back behind her ears in an obvious self conscious manner. He returned her smile, just as warmly, and for a second Krisztina saw how gentle and kind his face could look, when it wasn’t being haunted by whatever tragedy had befallen this group.
‘Is there a village council or elder that I should perhaps seek permission from before settling here?’ he enquired.
‘Not really,’ she wrinkled her nose in thought, ‘There is Old György who lives just across the way, near the smithy. We don’t really have a council as such, but he is the one who takes any matters to the Duke should we need him to.’
‘You have a smith?’ he asked earnestly.
‘Not anymore,’ she laughed. ‘We have a smithy, but no smith to work it.’
She walked him to the door, and just before she closed it behind him she shouted ‘And don’t let the big guy eat it all.’
When they arrived, they could see only one building that looked like it may have any life in it. It was a larger building and in marginally better repair than the dwellings they had passed earlier. Smoke was coming from a chimney, so somebody must be at home. Lucian surmised it was an inn or tavern and made his way towards the door. Raze, who had appointed himself Lucian’s guardian, moved quicker than you would expect for such a big man and ducked through the door first.
There were no customers sat at the half dozen rickety tables, nor could they immediately see any one behind the bar. ‘Barkeep!’ yelled Raze, in his deep thunderous voice, which vibrated a few tankards lined up behind the bar. Within a few seconds a young woman ducked out the small door from behind the bar that led to a kitchen area. Going by the sweet smell that followed her out there was bread or dumplings cooking. She didn’t look too pleased at the intrusion.
‘Why are you bellowing at me like some horny bull?’ Krisztina cried as she closed the kitchen door behind her. She looked up at the dark man-mountain that was towering over her bar and she immediately regretted the comment but felt it was too late to back down now.
‘We want food,’ he grumbled. ‘Bring us what you have… now!’
Krisztina glowered right back and said, ‘Do I look like I am in the habit of giving food away to any cretin that finds its way through my door? Show me your coin first, and I may consider not kicking you right back into what ever hole you just crawled out of.’
Raze’s eyes opened wide in surprise. Here was a man not accustomed to people, especially women, answering him in that tone. He curled a lip and flared his nostrils, and looked as if he was about to swat her with one of his huge fists. Lucian laid a hand on Raze’s forearm, and with a look was able to prevent any further argument.
Krisztina had to admit she was a little impressed. This man was much smaller in stature, but obviously commanded great respect from the rest of the men. He had an edgy fierceness about him that was nothing to do with mass. He was dressed from head to toe in leather, and was armed with a couple of blades strapped to his back. His melancholy face was framed by long dark hair, a small section held back by a piece of leather thong. She looked into his sad green eyes and knew that they had seen trouble, and dealt with it. Going by the state of him and his group, they had recently been through some kind of conflict. The man had a few cuts on his face that looked a several days old, and there appeared to be dried blood on his clothes and in his long matted hair.
Lucian turned towards the woman who stood defiant, despite being alone in front of several ferocious looking men. It was a brave gesture, and he admired her spirit. Even with the worn clothes smudged in flour, she was an attractive woman and seemed quite young, early 20’s perhaps. She was a similar height to him, with long wavy hair that was a much darker brown than his. Her face was lightly tanned and combined with her large dark brown eyes, made her quite striking. What was a woman her age doing running a tavern in this forsaken village?
‘Madam… I apologise for my impolite friend here, but we have recently fought our oppressors, and gained our freedom. We do not have any coin on us at the moment as we are refugees looking for a home.’ He paused to see how this had gone with her so far, yet he saw no emotion on her face as she held his gaze.
‘We would like to settle here, and we plan to work, and build. This village looks half dead, but we are willing to stay and give it new life if it will offer us the same. If you could spare some food for my men here, I promise that we will pay you in kind.’
Lucian continued to look directly at the woman. Her lashes fluttered ever so slightly over her large brown eyes, an indication of some internal dialogue. Her hardened façade seemed to visibly soften, and she waved them towards the tables. She pushed an errant strand of chestnut hair behind her ear and said ‘I have some fresh bread baking in the oven; it will be about another 15 minutes. I can reheat some of the gulyás from yesterday.’
‘That’s very kind, thank you.’ Lucian smiled.
Raze was the last to sit down. He sheepishly asked for some thing to drink, this time far more genteel. Krisztina shortly came back and brought with her some clay jugs of water, and passed them the tankards from behind the bar. This was followed by loaves of warm bread that were big and round, with a thick hard crust.
They broke the bread, breathing in the fragrant steam as the crust broke, and Sabas asked Krisztina what meat was in the gulyás.
She asked in return, ‘How hungry are you?’
‘Very,’ he added.
‘Then don’t ask.’
When the stew was served in clay bowls, its tasty aroma soon quelled any further questions in regard to the ingredients. Krisztina placed generous bowls in front of everyone and then returned behind the bar. Lucian got up, as his men devoured the hot food. He went over to the bar, and Krisztina asked, ‘Are you not hungry?’
Lucian smiled and shook his head. ‘I just wanted to thank you, once again.’ He seemed content to watch his men eat.
Krisztina went to the table, fetched his bowl and placed it firmly in front of him on the bar barking, ‘Eat!’
Not wishing to offend his hostess, Lucian shovelled some stew into his mouth, and realised after that first taste that he was actually quite famished.
‘So, when did this … emancipation of yours happen then? Should we expect a visit from some noble looking to retrieve his ‘property’?’
Lucian paused, a morsel half way to his mouth, and he answered tersely, ‘It happened but a day ago, and no, there will be no noble looking for us.’ Krisztina understood only too well what this implied and decided not to pursue the matter, but could not hide her surprise.
‘A day ago?’ she replied. ‘Those cuts look two or three days old, you must heal fast.’
Lucian regretted his slightly sharp tone earlier, so he smiled at her and said, ‘Yes, you could say that.’
He asked her of her situation, asked why she was in this place alone. Krisztina briefly explained that after her mother’s death, she had been raised by her maternal grandmother in a city many miles away. After her grandmother passed away, she had no choice but to return here to her father. She said although he did not welcome her, he was the only family she had left. He too passed away last winter. She admitted that she sometimes regretted staying at the Inn, as the few travelling merchants, moving between markets were her only custom these days.
The meal over, the men started to get up. János came and thanked Krisztina, and she rewarded him with a wide smile that made his heart flutter. He promised to come by the next day and take a look at a hole he had spotted in her roof. The others muttered their thanks, and with promises of similar aid they filed out the small door.
‘Before you go…’, Krisztina shouted to Lucian. She darted into the back room, and came back with a hessian bag. In it, were half a dozen more loaves and a few kolbász. ‘This is for your friends outside.’ When Lucian looked at her quizzically, she explained. ‘I saw you all arrive in town from my upstairs window. I know that there are more of you out there and I can’t have my new neighbours going hungry.’
‘This is extremely generous of you. We cannot thank you enough for your assistance,’ Lucian replied, genuinely grateful.
‘Oh… no need for such thanks,’ she responded, a little embarrassed. ‘It would all be thrown away anyway, if no one buys it.’ She smiled warmly at Lucian, and pushed a lock of her long hair back behind her ears in an obvious self conscious manner. He returned her smile, just as warmly, and for a second Krisztina saw how gentle and kind his face could look, when it wasn’t being haunted by whatever tragedy had befallen this group.
‘Is there a village council or elder that I should perhaps seek permission from before settling here?’ he enquired.
‘Not really,’ she wrinkled her nose in thought, ‘There is Old György who lives just across the way, near the smithy. We don’t really have a council as such, but he is the one who takes any matters to the Duke should we need him to.’
‘You have a smith?’ he asked earnestly.
‘Not anymore,’ she laughed. ‘We have a smithy, but no smith to work it.’
She walked him to the door, and just before she closed it behind him she shouted ‘And don’t let the big guy eat it all.’
Embrace of the Lycan - Chapter 1
Foreword
This story takes place in the Underworld universe. Chronologically, it follows on from the recent Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, so it would be beneficial for you to have seen that. However, if you have only seen the first Underworld, Rise of the Lycans retells the love between Lucian and Sonja, whose death by her father Viktor’s hands was the start of the catalyst of the war between Vampire and Lycan. If you have not seen any Underworld films, then you can get a plot synopsis here.
Chapter 1
The sun was beginning to crest over the horizon. As the light hit the Vampire corpses that lay around the courtyard scene of the battle, they began to combust. The flames also caught and destroyed the dead Lycans now reverted back to human form. Lucian and the others turned their backs on the fortress and headed into the forest. There were about 60 men in total, some of them old comrades, and others, the newly turned slaves from the two estates they had sacked for weapons. Once back at their camp, they set about attending wounds. Lucian sat down heavily on a fallen tree and put his face in his hands. He sighed, and pushed his fingers back through his hair. He could not feel the winter mountain breeze that brushed at his tangled locks, as he was completely, and utterly, numb. The cold rage he felt against Viktor and his Death Dealers sat like a rock in his belly. Watching Viktor’s corpse sink into the sewer water had not brought the relief he had hoped for. His lust for revenge still burned hotter than a dying sun.
Raze stood watching him, like a huge black monolith. ‘Lucian,’ he rumbled. ‘Where do we go now?’
Lucian lifted his head and looked at his lieutenant, and realised that he had a responsibility to his people, his Lycans. He looked over towards the larger portion of the group, and saw his people weary from the fight. There were one or two of William’s children amongst them, those Lycans unable to take human form. Lucian had always considered them nothing more than beasts, but they had accepted him as their leader too, and he was grateful for the assistance they gave in the battle. Some had escorted Lucian and their new brethren back into the forest, where as most seem to stay at Viktor’s stronghold, guarding it from any possible re-infestation of Vampires.
‘Our priority is food and shelter, and getting out of the area,’ Lucian replied.
Sabas and János were approaching as Lucian spoke. János said, ‘The village I was taken from over 30 years ago, Hidas, is about 15 miles west from here, at the foot of the Mecsek mountains. We should be able to find everything we need there.’
‘Then lead the way, friend,’ sighed Lucian. He gripped János’s shoulder and nodded a thank you to him. As the three of them walked towards the rest of the group, Raze just shook his head, and then followed. When they reached the main section of the group, Kristo nervously spoke to Lucian.
‘We are grateful for everything you have done for us, but … some of us feel that we want to make it on our own.’
Lucian looked at Kristo, who was refusing to look him directly in the eyes, and nodded. ‘You owe no loyalty to me. Go … if that is what you want.’ He then marched past Kristo, and didn’t look back.
About half of the group of Lycans left the safety of the woods and their feral brethren, and followed Lucian without question. It was little after noon when they arrived in Hidas. It was agreed that János would approach first and see what sort of welcome this group of freed slaves would receive. He returned soon after to say that he had spoken to a elderly villager there, who explained that there was little love for Viktor and his Death Dealers, as most of the young men had been taken over the years and ‘converted’ to swell his ranks of slaves. The village now was under populated, houses stood empty and fields unattended. The village was dying. Lucian felt that this was just what they were looking for. It would be a place to lick their wounds, and to form a community of Lycan. They would strengthen their pack and no longer live as slaves, but as free men – until the day the Vampires returned.
And return they would, Lucian thought. His expression darkened once more. Even when he had been in full throes of his battle with Viktor, he had not failed to notice the simpering clerk, Andreas Tanis, escape with the coffin’s of the sleeping Elders, Amelia and Markus. This was all that would be needed to form a new coven of Vampires. In time they would want to enslave him and his kind anew, to once again be there day light guardians.
Lucian stood on a crumbling wall to address his men. ‘Lycans! We have removed the shackles of our masters, and I do not intend to replace them with new ones. You all had homes once and a family. You can again.’ He pointed along the path. ‘This village can be that new beginning for us. There are many things to be done, but I know that none of you are afraid of a little hard work.’ He smiled sadly at those looking at him and was rewarded by a smattering of nodding heads, and noises of agreement.
‘We can live…. as men. As free men. But keep in your heart the knowledge, that as Lycan, we will always be treated as monsters by humans. The fear of living alongside the savagery of William’s pure bloods these past years will taint their acceptance of us. It is up to you to show that we are much more than animals. We are Lycan!’
The men cheered as Lucian jumped down, and they all headed towards the village.
On the outskirts of the village they passed the first small cluster of homes that were evidently unoccupied and in need of repair. Several of the Lycan split from the main group and wandered around the ruins. Lucian turned to watch them for a second. He saw them pointing at holes in the roof and cracks in the walls, in consultation with each other. He could clearly see that they were willing to take this opportunity. He left them to their deliberations, and continued with Raze, János and Sabas and the others towards the quiet centre of the village.
This story takes place in the Underworld universe. Chronologically, it follows on from the recent Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, so it would be beneficial for you to have seen that. However, if you have only seen the first Underworld, Rise of the Lycans retells the love between Lucian and Sonja, whose death by her father Viktor’s hands was the start of the catalyst of the war between Vampire and Lycan. If you have not seen any Underworld films, then you can get a plot synopsis here.
Chapter 1
The sun was beginning to crest over the horizon. As the light hit the Vampire corpses that lay around the courtyard scene of the battle, they began to combust. The flames also caught and destroyed the dead Lycans now reverted back to human form. Lucian and the others turned their backs on the fortress and headed into the forest. There were about 60 men in total, some of them old comrades, and others, the newly turned slaves from the two estates they had sacked for weapons. Once back at their camp, they set about attending wounds. Lucian sat down heavily on a fallen tree and put his face in his hands. He sighed, and pushed his fingers back through his hair. He could not feel the winter mountain breeze that brushed at his tangled locks, as he was completely, and utterly, numb. The cold rage he felt against Viktor and his Death Dealers sat like a rock in his belly. Watching Viktor’s corpse sink into the sewer water had not brought the relief he had hoped for. His lust for revenge still burned hotter than a dying sun.
Raze stood watching him, like a huge black monolith. ‘Lucian,’ he rumbled. ‘Where do we go now?’
Lucian lifted his head and looked at his lieutenant, and realised that he had a responsibility to his people, his Lycans. He looked over towards the larger portion of the group, and saw his people weary from the fight. There were one or two of William’s children amongst them, those Lycans unable to take human form. Lucian had always considered them nothing more than beasts, but they had accepted him as their leader too, and he was grateful for the assistance they gave in the battle. Some had escorted Lucian and their new brethren back into the forest, where as most seem to stay at Viktor’s stronghold, guarding it from any possible re-infestation of Vampires.
‘Our priority is food and shelter, and getting out of the area,’ Lucian replied.
Sabas and János were approaching as Lucian spoke. János said, ‘The village I was taken from over 30 years ago, Hidas, is about 15 miles west from here, at the foot of the Mecsek mountains. We should be able to find everything we need there.’
‘Then lead the way, friend,’ sighed Lucian. He gripped János’s shoulder and nodded a thank you to him. As the three of them walked towards the rest of the group, Raze just shook his head, and then followed. When they reached the main section of the group, Kristo nervously spoke to Lucian.
‘We are grateful for everything you have done for us, but … some of us feel that we want to make it on our own.’
Lucian looked at Kristo, who was refusing to look him directly in the eyes, and nodded. ‘You owe no loyalty to me. Go … if that is what you want.’ He then marched past Kristo, and didn’t look back.
About half of the group of Lycans left the safety of the woods and their feral brethren, and followed Lucian without question. It was little after noon when they arrived in Hidas. It was agreed that János would approach first and see what sort of welcome this group of freed slaves would receive. He returned soon after to say that he had spoken to a elderly villager there, who explained that there was little love for Viktor and his Death Dealers, as most of the young men had been taken over the years and ‘converted’ to swell his ranks of slaves. The village now was under populated, houses stood empty and fields unattended. The village was dying. Lucian felt that this was just what they were looking for. It would be a place to lick their wounds, and to form a community of Lycan. They would strengthen their pack and no longer live as slaves, but as free men – until the day the Vampires returned.
And return they would, Lucian thought. His expression darkened once more. Even when he had been in full throes of his battle with Viktor, he had not failed to notice the simpering clerk, Andreas Tanis, escape with the coffin’s of the sleeping Elders, Amelia and Markus. This was all that would be needed to form a new coven of Vampires. In time they would want to enslave him and his kind anew, to once again be there day light guardians.
Lucian stood on a crumbling wall to address his men. ‘Lycans! We have removed the shackles of our masters, and I do not intend to replace them with new ones. You all had homes once and a family. You can again.’ He pointed along the path. ‘This village can be that new beginning for us. There are many things to be done, but I know that none of you are afraid of a little hard work.’ He smiled sadly at those looking at him and was rewarded by a smattering of nodding heads, and noises of agreement.
‘We can live…. as men. As free men. But keep in your heart the knowledge, that as Lycan, we will always be treated as monsters by humans. The fear of living alongside the savagery of William’s pure bloods these past years will taint their acceptance of us. It is up to you to show that we are much more than animals. We are Lycan!’
The men cheered as Lucian jumped down, and they all headed towards the village.
On the outskirts of the village they passed the first small cluster of homes that were evidently unoccupied and in need of repair. Several of the Lycan split from the main group and wandered around the ruins. Lucian turned to watch them for a second. He saw them pointing at holes in the roof and cracks in the walls, in consultation with each other. He could clearly see that they were willing to take this opportunity. He left them to their deliberations, and continued with Raze, János and Sabas and the others towards the quiet centre of the village.
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