May 6, 1198, 1:38am
The Road to Castle Bistritz
The Domain of Count Radu Bistri, Prince of Bistritz
The road east had been long. Their caravan broken, the cotterie spent many nights watching for another attack, while Sylvian spent a great deal of time in polite conversation with Vykos.
For his part, Vykos had been very patient with the Coterie. When they reached the next town on their journey he paid for their retinue’s treatments and even for a few repairs to one of the wagons. He even offered to purchase them new clothing for the trip - though the new accoutrements were of notably lesser quality than some of the higher-born in the group were used to.
It had been a full week since they’d been driven from Klausenberg. They'd passed through the city of Bistritz itself as while Count Radu, a rare Tzimisce who’d abandoned the Voivodate for the western Council of Ashes, did not abide the presence of unknown Cainites within his city’s walls, he'd already invited them to his lands.
Three miles from the Count’s lair a raven flew into the wagon, alighting on Vykos’ shoulder. He pet the thing softly and whispered to it, listened as if hearing a response, and whispered again. Joseph watched, fascinated, before the bird took off again, no doubt to return to the Count.
“The Count is aware of our arrival and will greet us personally.” – Myka Vykos.
“How did you do that?” – Brother Joseph
“It is not so different from the way in which you can command men to do your bidding, I am sure” - Vykos
When they arrived the gate was open, allowing them to drive straight on to the castle itself. As the wagon reached the massive doors they opened as if of their own will, letting the light from within bathe the vampires as they stepped out.
Two men stepped forward, one a few steps behind the other. The first man was thin and richly dressed; his tunic made of some fine red fabric that was most likely silk. He was in his middle years; his gray hair was short and curled. Over his shoulders was a thick fur lined cloak, as if to keep him warm on the crisp spring night. At his side was a mastiff of incredible size which sat patiently, looking up lovingly at him.
This was Count Radu.
“Welcome to my home, weary travelers, I know you must be exhausted. Please, enter freely and of your own will. You are my guests and shall be treated as kings. Tiberiu will see to your belongings.”
Radu bowed deeply as he spoke - well-mannered even to his underlings.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you all, and in such prestigious company no less."
Author
Topic: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising (Read 633761 times)