Chapter 17 Blood Red, Red Passion

I

Under a coal dark sky, both armies clashed in brutal combat. The first row didn't hold for too long, crumbling under the unearthly vampire strength after the first strike. What seemed to be a major breakthrough as they implemented this outlandish strategy that by all means was a preconceived suicide move, yet in the end it was everything they've got, alongside a futile ray of hope. In the field, the clanging sound of iron blades wielding marked with vehemence the pace in which the battle was driven. Both Christian soldiers and demons fought to death, having the Germans the worst part. It was dying fighting, or dying running, but dying anyway in more or less an honorable way.

One by one, the poor miserable fell in a raw and bloody fight; the fight between good and evil. With ultimate savagery, the swords brandished. Banging after banging, the metal resonated, but no human could ever gauge his strengths with a raging vampire. Christian soldiers were butchered and shortly outnumbered and the undead made their way, moving swiftly amongst the now scarce ranks of the Holy Empire Armada.

Like flies, men fell after being deadly wounded; their skulls, and bones crushed under the heavy armor like crystal. With tremendous speed and supernatural skills, the creatures bounded high in the air to land over and knock down some unfortunate soldier who would suffer a terrible death. The vampire army kept moving, implacable killing with their swords, with their spears, with their mazes... with their bare hands. Once they killed they only stopped to feed on their victims and after sucking the last drop of blood, the undead rose growling, their mouth opened revealing their long, sharp fangs dripping the dark Crimson liquid.

From the rear Edmund watched with consternation mounted on his blood-spattered white horse, the way his soldiers were reduced to a pile of bodies and limbs and blood scattered on the field. He had so much faith on the efficacy of the strategy, and even though a considerable amount of blood-sucking fiends was vanquished, it was not enough. Holy water, fire and sacred oil worked only only when a vampire was hurt, and in a body to body fight, it was almost impossible. For each one vampire, ten soldiers perished. They only grew stronger and stronger, moving forward determined to kill each and every human on their path to claim their dominions back.

A gelid breeze carried the stench of burning flesh and blood, making it impossible to breath. The Rhine was stained in dark carmine, the blood of those brave soldiers who died fighting on behalf of the Holy Empire and God. This was too much for Edmund to bear and he simply could not allow the massacre to continue. Under his command, an army of five thousand men was halved in the past days, and today a few hundreds were hundred were decimated in a few minutes.

He raised his gaze to the stormy sky, the sweat on his forehead fused with the first droplets of rain pouring. It was time to make a decision and it was to be taken promptly or what was left of his army would disappear before he blinked an eye. Edmund had never been a coward, and there was the same honor in wining than in knowing the exact moment to retreat, realizing a battle is lost. He was not there only to give the order to fight, but to be wise and save as many lives as he could. Church knew what was hustling out there or while they returned, if they made it unharmed, he knew that reinforces were on their way, or at least he hoped. But now in his mind there was only one thing, taking his men out of that inferno and going back  to Harz to save Ardith.

In the distance the young man darted vampire generals Ardo and Pelagius, mounting their horses with pride, wide-teeth grinning celebrating what was an evident victory for the herds of Satan over humanity. Tensing his jaw and clenching his fists, to his own demise, Edmund gave the order. "There's nothing we can do. Give the signal of retreat."

The first horn was blown and withdrawal was announced. The second cornet repeated the call and when men were about to drop their weapons down, in the distance it was heard another horn giving the sound of the call to battle. Edmund turned around to see the Roman Army purple flags waving in the air and with the bright purple crests, hundreds of rows of soldiers approached marching down the hills into the valley. It was an impressive display of men, neatly formed to battle. Sword men in rows fast trotted to the fast pace rut him of the drums playing, and those who were laughing, giving their triumph for granted, were in silence. Rome had deployed its elite warriors and sent them as reinforcements.

"Mighty Lord of everything created, you've come to rescue us!" Edmund said, his voice shaken with excitement. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. "God heard our prayers. We will win this battle for sure." A heavy burden dropped off his shoulders, his faith and strengths renewed. "Soldier, repeat that call to battle! Reinforcements have arrived... Praise the Lord!"

The three ivory horns sounded in unison and all soldiers chanted, "Praise the Lord!"

II

Night fell in the Harz castle. Carrying a tray, Orla left Ardith's room. The woman smiled contemplating with satisfaction the empty plates she was taking back to the kitchen after the young duchess finally was able to eat solid food. Her condition had improved in the last days and that made the nanny happy. The lacerations on her neck sealed almost completely and the ghastly pallor on her skin was gone for good.

Humming a song, the maid walked down the hallway illuminated only by the rustic chandeliers hanging from the walls. When she was about to reach the end of the hall, just before descending the stairs to the first floor, she realized she had left something in Ardith's room. She walked back again and pulled the keys out of the bag that was tied to her skirts. As she advanced back to the room, she saw a dark figure moving almost floating towards Ardith's room. Tiptoeing, Orla placed the tray she was carrying on the floor and quietly hid behind the wall in the corner. It was Leila, lurking into the young duchess' dormitory. 'What is she doing in my child's room at this late night hours?' She murmured with suspiciousness. "I knew this wench was only trouble. There's something evil going on here... Those dark empty eyes, dark like pits of hell. I've heard of witches before and definitely I'll need something more than a wooden spoon." The nanny carefully lifted the tray and hurried down to the kitchen, planning to return immediately to the duchess' room.

Meanwhile, in Ardith's dormitory Leila sashayed towards the bed, where the lady slept. The raven haired stroked the young woman's hair and gently woke her up placing a kiss on her forehead.

Wearily, Ardith opened her eyes, the chamomile tea Orla gave her worked well and slumber was calling over. "It's you Leila, you're back." Sitting up straight, the duchess smiled, pleased to see the other woman in her room. "It's been a few days since the last time... Oh I missed you." Her excitement disguised in a whisper, in a tone of concealed complicity.

"Of course I 'm back, my child." Reassuring her intentions, Leila's voice was alluring and her stare intense. Her eyes were the eyes of a predator chasing for the prey. A red glow reflected in her dilated pupils adjusting to the room's darkness like a wild feline. With menacing sensuality, Leila closed the gap between her and the young duchess who smiled with genuine joy unaware or maybe carelessly towards the danger that woman represented. The stunning countess stroke her hair, intertwining her fingers beneath the blond unraveled curls.

"I thought you were not coming back... that you no longer wanted to..."

"How could you think I would not? I told you I would never leave you. You are what I love the most in this life, my sweet Ardith." Sitting next to Ardith, Leila cupped her face and leaning closer she kissed her with tenderness. "I will never leave you... We'll be together for eternity, that's my promise. Remember, I told you, you and I were meant to be together." Leila whispered in Ardith's ear and then licked kissed her neck first and then licked it, trailing with her tongue her skin up her jaw and all the way to her mouth and they fused their lips passionately.