HERE'S A PICTURE THAT I THOUGHT BEST FIT THE ENVIROMENT AROUND THE RANGER HOUSE. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT. (IT IS NOT MY OWN! I DO NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF IT)!

I awake with a jolt the when the carriage comes to a stop. Standing up, I open the trap door in the roof and call out.

"What's wrong Atlus?"

"We've arrived!" He smiles.

'Finally,' I think to myself.

I duck back down into the carriage, and grab the chest. Atlus opens the door. Stepping out with the chest on my left shoulder, I glare around at the familiar scenery. The trees are dark, the leaves dead, and branches twisting around others from different trees. It's almost peaceful. The darkened sky does nothing but help the surrounding woods look intimidating, and dangerous. Truth speaks in those words.

Turning to Atlus, I smile. "Grab the champagne, to night we'll add it to the feast."

"Perfect." He smiles.

 We walk to the large door and push it open. Inside we see men and women conversing, merry making, or drinking together in the large dinning hall fit for a castle. They turn and look over to Atlus and me as we enter their midst. Looking further there is the bar at the far end of the room in one of the corners furthest from the door. Banners of dark green, with a black bow and readied arrow cross with a sword a falcon above them with a hood staring at it and the room. Our banner for this particular Ranger guild. Heads of animals line the halls of hunts since long past. As we pass by down an aisle, I look to see their eyes following us. Some nod, and others just watch. As we start to move toward some spiral stairs Atlus sets down the small chest with the champagne as I continue to climb the stairs.

Once I reach the top, I come to a door immediately and raise my hand to knock.

"Come in, Raskus." I hear an deep, old, gruff voice call from the room.

Opening the door with a slight chuckle on my breath, I look around the room to see a small table with two wooden stools next to it. A shelf filled with books of great knowledge on lore, teachings of magic, history.  I turn to see an old, broad man sitting on the bed is dark grey armor, matched by his grey cape. The garb he wears only distinguish his features. His smile shows humbleness, and joy. His grey hair and beard shows wisdom, and experience. And when he gets up and moves across the room towards me, his stride shows strength, and authority.

I set the chest down and we embrace one another.

After patting my back and pulling away he studies my face, "Welcome back, son."

"It's good to be back." I reply.

I take off my hood to reveal my red eyes, and my shoulder length dark brown hair. Our smiles widen and then he looks to the chest.

"What's that you got there?"

"Spoils." I grin picking it back up.

After I set it on the table, Satharcius opens it. Seeing the gold inside, he smiles.

"If I'm not mistaken, these pieces seem to be from the treasury of Luthshire. I hear that a certain Duke there is very fond of them." He says as he examines a coin.

"Yes, he was very quick to be rid of it actually... when my blade was about to strike him down. He's no longer a duke to anything."

Satharcius looks to me, to which I continue. "It was a job. I got his gold, his carriage, his champagne, and horses. And all the buyer wanted was to see his corpse. So that the people could reclaim what he took."

"So when did you become a Robin Hood." He laughs.

"Do not compare me to that poor excuse for a ranger. That story should have never been made in the first place."

Laughing, he closes the chest, hands it to me, and pats my back as we walk through the threshold of his door. "Come, there's just enough gold to sack up and divide to everyone."

We enter the grand hall and people watch as I leave Satharcius at the frame between the grand hall and the stairs. Stepping up to the bar tender, I give a quick nod and look to the crowd. Every eye is trained on me. I hear the tender set down a mug with ale inside. The foam slightly flowing over. I look around and then turn to Satharcius to see him nod to me. I move to the long table in front of me with the ale in one hand and the chest in the other.

Setting it down I place my boot on it as I shout, "Brothers and Sisters!"

All have gone quiet and turned to see me address them. "Tonight I have claimed my bounty over the Duke of Luthshire's head! I have brought back his carriage, his champagne and even his horses as well!"

They all give a quick and deafening cheer.

"All of them worth a pretty shine, eh?!" I call back to them, "but that was not all... oh no."

They all look at me as I thrust my hand down to point at the chest under my boot. "I got this! In this is a large sum of coin!"

They cheer again as they look to me in excitement and anticipation!

"Given to us by our dear.."

They all give a slight chuckle and grin.

"Departed friend, the Duke of Luthshire."

Another quick session of laughter, I cannot help but smile as well. But I continue.

"And having said all of that, I can only say this!"

All again turn to me, as I thrust my mug into the air. "TO THE RANGERS, GO THE SPOILS!"

All thrust their mugs up, all giving a loud cheer. "LET US FEAST!" I scream above them.

The air immediately changes from the usual dull and bleak, to a loud roar of energy and excitement. The party has begun. I open the chest and grab what I feel is enough for my equal share. Then I down my ale and toss the mug away to then step down off the table, making my way back to Satharcius. We then proceed to his chambers again.

"Something tells me that I won't be staying long." I say to him as I shut the door behind us.

"I've set up a quest for you," he sighs scratching his head as he turns around to face me.

"Oh?" I say sarcastically intrigued. "What is it for?"

"Satharin's Bow." He says looking at me.

"The legendary weapon of Satharin? He was the one who defined the Ranger's for the world!"

"The very same."

"But no one knows where it is?"

"I do," he sighs, "when I was brought to the rangers he was the one who I trained with all the time. We became good friends... basically brothers. And he asked me to tell only one person. The one person I thought would be worthy enough to claim it."

"Where is it?" I ask.

He sighs again, "Unfortunately that's where it gets complicated. You see, it's far off to the west, just on the other end of the dragon lands."

"Do you have a map?"

"No," then he looks at me, "if you ride to the north, there is a monastery. It will hold the map that you seek."

"Why is it there?" I ask.

"Satharin, wanted to entrust it to the people there as a token of good will. We would assist them when they required it. And in return, we would be allowed to rest there on our travels."

"And you think I'm ready to endure this quest?"

"No."

"Then why-"

"Because you are worthy." He smiles.

Confused I point at him. "You just said that you didn't think I'm ready."

"Because I don't think you are, Raskus." He smiles and then pats his hands on my shoulders, "I know you are."

I smile and then look at him concerned. "How do you know I'm worthy."

"Well what are you?"

"I'm a hybrid," I seethe.

"Exactly, your mother was a full blooded vampire, and your was half of one the other half dark demon." He smiles, "you have their powers in you. You know more than most of the rangers here knowledge wise. You the youngest ranger here, you graduated at 12! With the best marks! That says more than enough, son."

Smiling I nod and then feel a slight pang in the back of my throat. "Where is the potion, I haven't had blood in ages and I'm itching for it like hell."

He turns to his cabinet and grabs a small belled out bottle, inside is a deep red liquid. It looks like blood but isn't. If the blood lust settles in, then there won't be a thing to stop me from transforming.

Yes, proudly, I am part vampire, and part demon. My mother was indeed a full blood vampire, and my father was half that and half dark demon. They were killed by hunters out looking for a reward. Unlike most vampires, the species my mother was, are the dominant and yet rarest of the beings. We can stand wearing rosaries, and crucifixes. We can also stand sunlight, we don't burn or hiss as some would believe. Our bodies house our wings. We don't talk with a heavy transylvanian accent. And we can be killed by a wooden steak impaling us, but then again who can't... as well as normal swords and spears... and any other weapon really. Sadly every vampire sub species hates one another so there is constant fighting. After trying resolve the conflicts peacefully, our race got tired of the lesser species got tired of having envoys get killed. So like my father, and his father. I have vowed to end the lesser vampires, and with Satharon's Bow, I can accomplish that.

"Are you up to the challenge?" Satharcius calls to me.

"Yes," I reply smiling.

"Perfect, there's a horse for you, if you decide to use one, and remember the monastery is north of here." He sighs and smiles embracing me again, "It is a long journey ahead for you, my son. Now go, and be careful."

"What creature would stand up to a vampire," I smirk.

He loses his smile as he sees me step in the threshold. "All of them, especially other magical species. I need to make more of the potion, so make it last."

I take a swig of the potion, the taste is similar blood, or so I'm told. It tastes a little fowl. I dart out through the grand hall where they are still merry making, and then I'm outside. I look to see a horse tied and readied for me with supplies. As I get on and ride off, I turn it around to where I can see the Ranger's House, letting the sight fill my eyes again for what might be the last time, and then I look up to where Satharcius' chambers are. He looks down through the window and waves me off by placing his fist to his chest. After seeing this I do the same and then bow to show respect of a higher ranger and my closest thing to a father I have in this world. Then I turn and speed off to the north. If I am swift, I can make it to the monastery in two days.

Night falls in the dark woods, and visibility is terrible. My horse needs to rest, and I'm still not close to half way out Mirthwood. Allowing my horse to rest, I set up a fire and make camp on the roadside. The fire doesn't shine much against the choking darkness. Sitting against a tree with my hood raised over my head, I stare at the small blaze. It flickers and sways making small chat with cracks and pops. I smoke from a small pipe as I wait for dawn. It is very dangerous to sleep in the dark woods, things lurk in the darkness and death may just be looking for an easy prey.

I hear a small rustle from the bushes to my left. Looking, I see the figure of a human with a distinctive amount of fur. It's hidden in the shadows and starts to growl at me, it yellow eyes glaring through the dark. I stand and unsheathe my sword. Seeing my size, it turns and runs back into the depth of the woods, probably a child werewolf. I sheathe my blade and sit back down. Staring, again, into the fire, I inhale from my pipe and then blow smoke out of my nostrils. I think about my chances in the dragon lands. If what I hear about it is true... it will be near impossible to get through. But again if it the legends are true, then the dark dragon should obey my command. Dragons are Ill-tempered beasts that all other creatures fear. Their scales are harder than diamonds, their breath are like the fires of hell, and are winged. But the dark dragon... told throughout magical lore, obey any of my species of vampire. I hope that includes anyone with that type of blood in them, no matter the amount. If that's correct I will have a better chance to survive. If I am wrong, then nothing less of a miracle can help through that place.

Opening my bag, I remove a bottle of champagne that I took from the duke's carriage. I pull out the stopper and then set the bottle to my mouth and drink. After I replace the stopper in the bottle, I stare into the fire again. Then I feel something nudge my hand, looking down to my right I see a small field mouse poking it's head through my index finger and thumb. Wrapping my hand around it I lift it up and bring it to my face where I open my hand and get a better look at it. It sits and stares at me as it sniffs and twitches it's head slightly. Silently chuckling, I reach into my bag and grab a small lump of cheese. I then hand it to the mouse, who takes it into his paws and starts to eat it squeaking softly, but happily. Once he his done he scurries up my arm and to my shoulder, coming right next to my face. His whiskers lightly brushes against my cheek as if it were tiny kisses. I smile as I put him back on my hand and then let him lie in my pack. He curls into a small ball of fur and then falls asleep. I return my attention to the fire as my new little companion, falls asleep and dreams.

Sunrise finds me putting out the fire and getting ready. Even though the sun has risen, it is still dimly lit in the dark woods. I pick up my quiver and pack. As I open it, my little friend scurries up my arm again to my shoulder, and uses it as his look out point. Chuckling again, I give him another lump of cheese. He eats it and clings on rightly as I finish getting ready to move on. Hopping on my horse, I start to continue on the trail again, northward bound.

As I continue down the road a ways, I see a wagon stopped and the driver, with a small girl, are on the ground with a band of orcs near them.

The driver is elderly, his half moon spectacles glisten in the sun. His beard of grey is curled outward into a swirl where it stops at the point in the center. He looks to be a merchant. The girl is fairly young, brown hair, deep green eyes. Her brown skirt and vest are patched in several places. Her white blouse look relatively new. I couldn't careless about the scene, this stuff happens all the time. But seeing orcs in Mirthwood is a tad concerning. I stop and get off my horse to rid the woods of these pests. My companion sensing danger, scurries onto my horse and stays.

I walk closer with my hood hiding my face in its shadow, when one of them spots me.

"Oi, look 'ere boys!" He calls, "Looks like we gots ourselves a lo'ly ranger. What say you Tear."

  Tear looks me to me with a dark expression of rage, he doesn't try to conceal his hatred. He is the tallest one of them, and looks to be the leader of the group.

"We kills him says I." He smirks. "And then we return to our business here."

"Oh please, try." I call back to him, "But none of you will enjoy the outcome."

As we stare into each other's eyes. He notices mine are red.

"Well, well, well." He chuckles. "If we ain't got us a vampiric ranger! Only two I know of and those would be Rathus, and Raskus. This one here has to be Raskus, cause his father be dead."

I glare at him, rage starting to glow in my eyes.

"Pathetic death too," he spits, "one of the most powerful creatures killed my mere 'umans."

"Silence!" I snap. "At least I was born with honor! Not shat out of the ground like some filth!"

This enrages him, "You think you can take out all of us?!"

I pull out my sword and rush on of them, as he tries to an over head swing downward. I quickly send my blade into his stomach slicing it open. When the other two charge, I spin forward and then bring my blade down slicing from his chest down to his lower stomach, and then stabbing the last one through the chest before pulling it out and watching him fall over dead. Tear growls at me and I return by showing a fang at him in a smirk.

"You will perish-" He starts.

"Still angered cause I've proven better." I say as I move faster than he can see.

"You will suffer! You will bow to me and beg for death, you will show more fear than ever!" He roars losing control. "You will-'

I appear behind him my knife over his throat, making him stop his chain of curses. His eyes grow wide with terror.

"I told you, 'silence'." I say as I slit his throat.

As he falls over dead, I clean my blades on the grass nearby and place them back into their sheaths. The merchant and his companion stare at me as I turn to them.

"What are you doing here?" I snap at them. "Do you realize the here in the dark woods?"

"Please forgive us Ranger," the elderly man begs, "We came to pass through. Our monastery has been taken by a minotaur."

"One minotaur?" I ask. "Have you tried to kill the beast?"

"Yes but-"

He whimpers in pain as he grasps his side.

"Father! Please stay calm." The girl says. She then looks at me and finishes, "We tried but failed."

"So I can see."

"Most of us are fleeing to other places, the others sadly died."

I ponder my next course of action, I could direct them to the Ranger House here. But after seeing what happened to them here...

I sigh and then start to walk back to my horse, "Come with me, I'll take care of the beast."

"Bless you Ranger!" He starts to say to me.

I quickly interrupt, "Shut up. I haven't completed the task yet,"

I get on my horse and move to them again my little friend scurrying into my pack, as I approach them the man looks to me, "What do they call you?"

"Raskus," I call to him, "Now let's go."

As they get into the wagon I move ahead slightly and wait for them to start moving, as I do my companion climbs up to my shoulder and sits at his post.

"One day my friend," I smile. "I must give you a name."

We continue down the path and the girl will not stop asking questions. From a window in her wagon and leans out and talks.

"So do you like being a ranger?"

"It's a good life."

"Do you have many friends," She asks next.

"No, I do not." Is my answer.

When I answer my little furry companion climbs out from his rest area in my pack and up to his look out point again.

"What's this," The girls giggles as she extends her arm next to my shoulder. My little companion moves down her arm and next to her face brushing his whiskers against them as he sniffs her scent.

"Is he yours?" She laughs.

"Not really," I smile. "He came to me in the middle of the night while in Mirthwood, and he's stuck with me since."

"Has he got a name?"

"No."

"Well how about whiskers?" She smiles.

My little friend tickles her face again, she says, "I think he likes it."

I don't speak, I just look to the road.

"You don't talk much, do you?" She sighs.

"Never have really."

"How come?" she asks still playing with "whiskers".

"It's just not my nature."

"I doubt that," She smiles. I stare at her as she holds up my friend studying him with her gaze. "I don't think you've had many to talk to."

'Who is this girl.' I think to myself. 'There's no way she's just a pure human if she can read someone like that.'

"What makes you certain about that," I inquire.

"The way you look," She replies. "Your eyes, emotion, and attitude show it. And your appearance."

I look to my clothing, "Appearance?"

She laughs as she sees me and shakes her head, "no another type of appearance, your expression."

"Oh," I say solemnly, my mind slipping into thoughts of my past.

She looks over and notices my gaze of slight depression, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"It's alright. It's nothing." I sigh.

She then holds her hands next to my shoulder and watches as Whiskers scurries back up to his look out spot. He places a paw on my face as he sniffs my cheek, tickling it.

Smiling slightly I hear the girl say, "You are a caring soul."

Normally I would have shot a murderous glare at the one who said it, but this time I think I'll let it slide.

We finally come to the outskirts of the monastery and the sight would fill anyone with dread. The windows are all broken, doors of their hinge, some homes are on fire. All looks hopeless.

"OI!" We hear someone shout to us in a gruff voice.

We turn to see a small, man in a dark red tunic, mithril plate leg armor coming toward us. HIs demeanor shows his pride with a face that looks almost as gruff as his voice. His orange beard reaches his waist. The hair on his head reaches to his shoulders. I take it this must be a dwarf.

"You might not want to go in there lad's." He calls to us. "Minotaurs aren't the friendliest beasts around."

"So there is one here?" I ask.

"Aye. As sure as the mountains are high, there be one in there."

"Good I intend to kill it."

He spouts into laughter. After a while of cackling he looks to me and scoffs. "You can't be serious, laddie."

 I don't reply, just stare at him with an eyebrow raised as to why he thinks this is a laughing matter.

"You're serious?" He gawks.

"Yes, I am."

He stares at me for a  second and then bursts into laughter again, "even funnier the second time, you ever thought of making of show of your humor?"

"I think you misunderstand." I speak. "I am going to kill that beast."

"And what makes you think you can?" He asks crossing his arms.

"I'm a Ranger."

Before he can protest, I interject. "one that is of blood thirsty qualities, savvy?"

He stares into my eyes and spots the color, but as he opens his mouth again, I interject once more. "I would like to keep that information private if you don't mind."

I nod to the merchant and his daughter, he spots them and then looks back nodding. "Alright, but you still can't take it on. You'd have to get rid of the other three of four in there to get to it."

"I was under the impression there was only one minotaur." I say glaring at the merchant.

Spotting my glare the dwarf speaks up. "There was... but be brought the rest of his squad... they plan to the entire northern realm of Patharsia." he informs. "And they'll head as far north as the dragon lands. Right now this monastery is a forward base for setting up an invasion into Mirthwood."

"That would take them through Forest of Darkus."

"And the mines of Morathan." He nods pointing to himself. "My home."

"We need to eradicate them."

He smiles and claps his hands together. "Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Come, my camps not far, we'll plan there."

We walk to the east side of the monastery as we leave the merchant to make camp where we left, so they aren't in immediate danger.

He leads me to a small patch under a tree, with a fire already going.

"A couple of Rangers should be here," He sighs, "They've been following this group for weeks."

He looks to me as I tie my horse to a low hanging branch.

"What's with the other two?" He asks me as I sit at the fire.

"They used to live in the monastery."

"Ah and they went in search of the rangers, eh?"

Shaking my head I continue, "No, I don't think they were. I found them during a group of orcs tried to rob them, in Mirthwood."

"What are orcs doing in MIrthwood?" He asks. "Their homes are just north to mine."

"Probably a rogue group."

"Not possible."

I stare at him surprised, "How come?"

"orcs will not turn on their kind as rogues often do. It's against their nature and considered cowardly."

"So that still begs the question then." I ponder.

"Aye," He says stroking his beard, "What were orcs doing in Mirthwood."

Then whiskers comes out and scurries to my shoulder. The dwarf catches this and laughs, "What have we here?"

He reaches his thick callused hands out next to my shoulder. Whiskers looks to his hand and cocks his head to the left as if thinking about the outcome.

"Come one little one. I won't harm you." He smiles.

Whiskers then goes down his arm and places his paws on the dwarfs bearded face. He chuckles and then looks to me. "I take it I've met everyone in our party?"

Smiling I nod as he returns whiskers to my shoulder. "Where are the rangers you spoke of?"

"Mitus I told you to watch your bloody back!" We hear someone scream nearby.

"That would be them," The dwarf sighs.

We look to see men dressed as I am walking through the brush toward us.

"Well I would have if you would have watched the prisoners!" Mitus snaps back.

Mitus has no facial hair, a tad of a bluish hair in color, and is a bit taller than companion. His companion has brown hair, and looks to be older slightly.

"And what are you implying Mitus?"

Mitus replies with, "That you, Matharon, are lazy and don't understand your duty!"

Matharon is outraged and starts to draw his sword.

"Brothers," I shout, "This is no way to act!"

Both turn to me and glare confused.

"Dwalin," Mitus addresses the dwarf, "Who is this?"

"This is another ranger," He says introducing me, but he stops with a confused expression on his face as he looks up to me, "I don't think I caught your name."

Looking down to him I reply. "Raskus."

"Pleasure!" he bows his head slightly, then her turns back to the other two, "you heard him then?"

"yeah," Matharon nods.

"But why is he here?" Mitus asks.

"I came to kill the beast in the monastery."

They see my eyes and both quickly draw their bows and aim them at me.

"Stop!" Dwalin shouts to them.

"Silence Dwalin, do you know what he is?" Matharon snaps.

"Yes I do, now lower 'em." Dwalin growls.

Seeing the boys hesitate to drop their aim, Dwalin grabs his dual bladed battle axe.

"You boys and violence," A woman shouts, "put your arrows away."

I turn to see a woman walk up. Her dark robes lightly brush the ground as she walks. Looking at her, I see her black hair fall past her shoulders. Her eyes, however, are what catch my gaze. They are red... like mine. She catches my stare, "What have we here?"

She walks around me slightly studying me, slightly muttering as she paces. Only stopping when she catches my eyes. Her lips part in awe as she stares into them, she then raises her hand and pulls back my hood to reveal my face.

"What is your name?" She asks as he continues to study.

"Raskus," I answer.

Her eyes slightly widen as she hears my name.

"Salina, wh-what are you doing? Mitus stammers.

She turns to them and scowls as she sees they have not lowered their weapons, "Do not harm him," she orders. "He is of my kind."

"Your a vampire?" I ask.

"Yes," she replies. "And one of your species, too."

"What?"

"Raskus," she starts, "I am of your same species of vampire! But tell me why haven't you transformed?"

"Satharcius, wanted me to control when I was younger. He gave me potions that stopped the effect for a time."

Satharcius?" She asks, then looks back to me. "So it's true, you did go to the rangers!"

"I had no choice," I reply trying to control my frustration, "I was a youngling."

"You must transform right now."

Mitus and Matharon hear this and instinctively fire their arrows. Raising my arms quickly, I create a magical, black barrier. Salina in fear wraps her arms around me tightly. The arrows bounce off harmlessly and Salina starts to look up and loosen her grip around me. She then turns to the other two as the barrier disappears.

"You fools," she scolds. "Did you not just hear me? I said you are not to harm him!"

They lower their bows as well as their heads as she sternly yells at them.

"I told you he was of my kind!"

"Come on Salina," Mitus starts.

"Silence!" She hisses, "The transformation is not bad. In fact it is a vampires honor to do so. But you mindless humans wouldn't know that would you."

As I hold back a chuckle, she turns to me and swiftly continues to reprimand me, "And you! You need to get on with the transformation right now. You have put it off for far too long. Come with me now."

She then turns and starts to walk quickly into the woods, with me following. We finally come to a small clearing near a few more trees and she stops.

"This will do perfectly." She says, and then she turns and beckons me over to her.

I think about my options, but knowing that vampires of the same species would never betray another, I move to her and she has me sit on the ground.

"I don't understand, I thought the transformation would occur on it's own... at least its what I've been told." I whisper.

She picks up on it and sighs, "It can... but it's much better to do it this way. It makes it easier on the vampire and who ever else may be close by." She smiles.

It adds to her beauty, as if her skin shined slightly in the moonlight.

"Why?" I ask her.

"It's less dangerous." She answers, "When a vampire transformation occurs on its own especially if they of our species, then it goes into a murderous rampage, desperately trying to fill an unquenchable thirst for blood. They are nearly unstoppable, and will kill blindly until it's had its fill. Now blindly means that no one is safe... a lover... a parent... anything or anyone special to you will be a victim if your instincts will it to be. After having that happened a lot, we noticed that after the transformation... the one's who transformed would commit suicide unable to deal with the atrocities it committed."

"What makes this any different?" I ask worried.

"It's safer trust me," she smiles, "But in order for it to work you must sit still."

"For how long?"

"How ever long it takes, Raskus." She sighs, as she sits in front of me. "Remove your shirt."

I slightly blush, "why?"

"Trust me, and the knowledge of why will manifest when your mind."

I remove my shirt to reveal all the scares I've collected through the years. A huge scare deep in my chest, and a giant beats' claw mark form a massive "X" over all of my back. All are old scares, and all were well earned.

"Now close your eyes and place your arms in your lap."

I close my eyes and then place my arms in my lap.

"You will hear your heartbeat, and then that of the blood flowing through you. You must not block this out. Instead concentrate on it, and let it consume your mind." She informs, "once this happens, this transformation will begin.

I sit there and listen, and for a  while I think about whether this will work or not.

"Clear your mind!" Salina demands as if she can read my thoughts.

I clear my thoughts, and listen to my surroundings. After a while I hear crickets start to chirp in the distance, owls communicate with screeches and hoots, and frogs serenade in the darkness. But I do not open my eyes nor do I think on it. Instead I push that noise from my thoughts and let silence come and fill the void. Longer and longer I go without hearing anything at all, then I start to hear a feint bump. I recognize the rhythm and allow it to grow in my mind. Louder and louder I hear my heart beat, then I start to feel the blood flowing through my veins and I focus on that feeling.

Blood, sweet, delicious blood. I feel a strange tingle form on my head and throughout my body. I feel my fangs grow slightly longer, and my desire to drink becoming greater. Then I feel my wings sprout... it feels interesting, as I let them air out while I flap them a little. Then an immense power seems to seep into my body from every direction as if the world is giving me this gift. I can then sense the life essence of creatures around me. Saliana is still sitting in front of me. I can sense the trees, and animals... like one nudging my hand as I sit still. After a while of the feeling of power seeping in, it stops. I feel nothing else that is new, until I feel one more nudge on my hand and open my eyes.

I look down to see it press it's paws on my hand and my little friend looking up to me with curiosity as it sniffs my scent. I then look up to Salina, and she stars at me shocked.

"What?"

"You're different..." she says in awe.

"What do you mean?"

"Look for yourself," she states as she points to a puddle.

I go to look and notice that the surroundings are soggy and damp, it must have rained, I place my small friend on his look out shoulder and then lean to stare into the reflection. I look to see my once long black hair is now silvery white, short, and with a red streak on the left side bangs. I also see my fangs have definitely have grown slightly as well. I then spot the black wings, at first I thought it would feel awkward. But it isn't so, they feel surprisingly natural. I stand and turn to Salina.

"I feel great!"

"Good," She replies, "is there anything you don't understand about your powers?"

I shake my head and summon a blue ball of fire in my hand, "No."

She smiles and the adds, "These powers maybe amazing. But they will not make you immortal."

"It still feels exhilarating," I smile. Then I remember what she said before I looked into the puddle, the ball of fire slowly extinguishes, and I turn to Salina. "What did you mean by I was different."

 "Every vampire has either, black, white, or red hair, but never a combination of the three. Yours however is a silver white with a red strand on it. And your power feels stronger than mine. And any others in our species.  Raskus, you might just be the superior vampire!"

"I wouldn't bet on that yet, I still need to finishm y quest."

"Of course." She smiles, "Would it be alright if I came along?"

Pondering my options, I stand a moment. Her expertise and knowledge could prove invaluable. I cans sense her powers could be useful as well. I turn to put my shirt back on as I call to her, "for now, yes."

We walk back to the camp to see Dwalin, Mitus, and Matharon, sitting around the fire.

Mitus is the first to spot us. "What took you?"

Salinga moves toward the fire, "The transformation takes time,"

"If you mean the transformation to change ones look," Matharon snickers pointing to me. "Then I'd say you accomplished that."

Sighing, Salina sits next to the fire as well and I follow to sit next to her. "You two wouldn't understand." She scoffs.

"I understand that it shouldn't take three days to adjust the way one looks," Mitus snaps.

"It hasn't been three days," I'm quick to retort, then I look to Salina, "Has it?"

She only looks to the fire, "the transformation takes however long it needs"

I look to Dwalin, "What's the news on the minotaurs?"

He stares at me and then says, "nothing's changed... but I expect their planning."

I nod. Three days to obtain my new powers and transform... I never knew time moved so fast. I will not be making that mistake again. But as I look to the fire I notice some red markings on my arm all the way up to my shoulder. Maybe Salina can tell me about them, but not at the moment however.

"So let us plan," I say to them. "What is the most likely place for them to be?"

"My vote is the church, it's got a view of everywhere in the town, good defensive position." Dwalin points out.

"They might also be in the tavern," Mitus chimes in, "it's another good spot to defend, plus it will have food and drink. Plus more room to utilize."

"Both are good spots, and I can not think of any others," Matharon nods.

"But how can we tell for sure?" Salina calls to us.

"We need a spy," Dwalin growls.

I think about it for a moment. I might have a better chance on survival given my extensive amount of studying, but also this gives me a great opportunity to prove myself to them, if I do this right.

"I'll do it." I say looking to each of them.

Salina looks at me shocked, Mitus and Matharon look to each other with concern, Dwalin looks as if he expected as much.

"Very well," he sighs, "Raskus you will go in and try to earn their trust, if you survive to see that, we want you to come back and give us an idea on what their planning and where they are holding."

After I give a nod, he looks around to the others, "does anyone object."

I look to see Salina start to protest and cut her off, "No."

Dwalin turns to me, again looking as if he expected as much.

"Very well," nods to me. "Leave when you see fit, and may the gods favor you."

I nod and get up to leave and start walking through the tree line toward the walls of the monastery. Stopping just short enough to be able to look at the buildings and walls. I soon feel Saina's presence, as I expected, and hear her trudging through the thickets behind me. She comes to my side, studying the monastery as I am, not moving, and not speaking.

"Well," I speak up after a moment, "I can tell you are not enthusiastic about this plan of ours. Nor do you like my offering myself to go."

Shaking her head she turns to me. "No I don't. You don't need to get yourself killed, especially after you just became who you truly are."

"I have to... There's not any alternative for us to get what we need."

"We can send Mitus or Matharon," She starts.

"You know as well as I that they will most likely fail," I quickly interject. "Why do you insist of talking me out of this?"

"Because it's a waste, a waste of pure vampire blood."

"I'm not pure blooded." I growl slightly. "If anything I should only be a quarter..."

"The transformation only works for pure vampires! No hybrid in existence can transform."

I stare at her shocked... "But my father was a dark demon."

"Raskus," She sighs, "Our people are the Dark Vampires, and we are sometimes called the Dark Demons. Your mother and father were both dark vampires, as you are. Just like me as well. We are pure bloods."

It's quite the shock... what else do I not know, or understand? As my eyes scan around in concern with my lack of knowledge I look to see the monastery again and my eyes are flooded with determination. And I start walking out the tree line.

"Raskus!" Salina calls, "You don't need to get yourself killed."

I call over my shoulder to her, "I won't."

She disappears deeper in the trees as she returns to the others, as I continue to walk towards the gates of the monastery. After passing through them, my eyes find the place is in more disarray than I thought before. As I continue to walk up the path towards the church I feel the presence of someone. Looking to the left, down an alleyway is a young woman. She's wearing the torn and tattered remnants of her dress, it's revealing. Too revealing to be anything less than foul play. She catches my gaze and then disappears behind a corner.

"Wait!" I call to her but with no avail.

Returning to my course, I resume my pace. Not long after I start to come closer to the church. As I look around the walls and roof tops I hear someone shout to me.

"HALT!"

I look up to the roof of the church and see three minotaurs staring at me, two with bows raised as the third, standing in between them, studies me. His horns are pointed ahead and curve back to either side of his head, sitting just above the eyes and ears. His bull like face glares at me.

"What do you want?"

Deciding that my best course of getting myself out of this predicament is to extend a fabrication of words.

"I received a letter for help, something about Mirthwood!" I call to them.

"What are you?" The leader grunts with a gruff tone.

"I am a vampire, and ranger." I again call to them. "Did you not send need of me?"

 As they sit there staring at me, I brace myself to be shot at. Trying to make a plan of escape. We know where they are it will do for now. But fortune has favored me it seems.

"It's about time you came! Get in here." He orders.

I make my approach and see the church doors start to open, as soon as I pass through them. A foul stench floods my senses. Trying to not to gag, I see the three come down the stairs from the roof. The one questioning me before points to the inner chapel.

"We ask you seek out our leader. You will find him deeper in the church."

Nodding, I step up to the doors and push them open, looking around I see near the alter a massive minotaur, sitting in a makeshift throne. His fur black, and his left horn is missing half of it's length, as the other curves out past his eyes and then upward, it's point toward the ceiling. He is wearing black plated armor covering all but his head. His sword as big as me, sits next to him leaning against the throne. He stares as I enter, his head propped on his fist as it stands on the armrest of his throne. When I draw near, I place my fist on my chest and nodding my head, then I look back up to him and lower my arm.

"You have come." He exhales after a while.

"Sorry for the delay." I reply.

"Apology accepted," He groans as he stands up. "let's get you up to speed."

He's massively tall. About half of my height taller than me. As he leads me to a table his black cape flutters behind him.

The table holds a map and he points to it. "We have control of the outpost and are awaiting orders from our general, however," He says turning to me. "We have orders to defend here until reinforcements arrive. As you can see all of the humans have left... well most of them."

"Yes, I saw a woman wearing tatters as I approached." I reply.

"A mere prostitute," He chuckles.

"I thought your kind always detested the lesser beings than your females."

Nodding, he gives a wolfish grin, "We gladly make exceptions when the season of breeding comes."

"Seems vile." I scowl.

"It's only a matter of perspective," he muses. "We call it 'satisfying out needs to not let them distract our thoughts'."

My scowl only worsens. A new found disgust in these creatures has intruded into my mind. But my mind returns to my mission quickly.

"What do you want to do? Have you any plans?" I ask.

"I'm still thinking about sending a scouting party to find what little supplies we need... but that seems a bit folly." He sighs. "We have plenty of food, drink, and shelter. There isn't more we need."

"If you did, how many will you take with you."

"I only need myself and one other," he answers. "That will leave three here to defend this place. And you of course."

He returns to his throne and then looks to me breathing a relaxed sigh as he relaxes, "Now, I have a feeling your powers are a bit lacking."

"My transformation was naught but three days ago. I will need to train, to hewn my skills."

"And I assume you have a trainer?" He sneers.

Glaring at him, I nod. "She however, is not to me harmed... or become your toy."

He smiles and waves his hand, "Alright, she will not be touched."

"If you go back on your word, you will be sorry." I growl, "My kind does not find it friendly when we are betrayed and abused. And I doubt you'd like a horde of us coming for you."

He roars with laughter at my threat, which both, startles and infuriates me.

"Alright little vampire, you have been heard loud and clear." He says calming down.

As I turn to leave he waves me off, "and if you are asked, you have my leave to go where you please."

I stop once more and turn back to him. "I don't think you brought me up to speed enough. What is the end goal in all of this?"

 "My people have been looked down upon these last few centuries, where once we were feared!" He starts to roar. "We will crush every being in this land until they realize we are the superior race!"

After he finishes, I roll my eyes a little. "Riiight... Well if that is true and you plan to wipe out every race that stands in your way, then be warned. When the time comes, I will fight along side my brethren."

Staring at me, I can sense he understands, "very well. Go and train."

As I walk to the door, I stop with my hand on it, and turn back to the minotaur, "why do you trust me with this information?"

He smirks. "I don't.... but what's life without a little risk?"

That is definitely something I can understand, and to that I nod at him and start to leave. Only to be stopped by, "why do you ask?"

"It's just unusual."

I finally leave and start to make my way back to the eastern gate. As I walk, I notice the same girl staring at me again, but just as she starts to run from me, I appear in front of her.

"Going somewhere?"

"Please spare me." she whimpers falling back onto the ground.

"I mean no harm," I speak softly lowering myself, "I've come to help."

I extend my hand to her, in an attempt to assist her to her feet. She looks at it as if pondering the sincerity of my actions and words. After a slight pause she reaches up and takes my hand. Pulling her up to where she's standing I look her over. She's got bruises in several places, her arms, one on her neck... and no down more where my eyes can't see. It's a pitiful sight.

"What is your name?" I ask.

"I do not wish to tell you." She quivers.

I remove my gaze from a mark on her arm to see her fear mixed with a disgusted look. Probably thinking I'm developing a sense of lust... she couldn't be further from the truth.

"Are there others?"

She nods, and then gasps as I take her arm and move her deeper into the tangle of buildings. "Then you must hide... all of you. Do not come out. Try to hide near the eastern gate. I have a camp full of people planning to assault the church and kill the beasts inside."

"But what about food and water?" She voices her concern.

"Let me worry about that, place a flat pebble next to a door to indicate where your hiding, on that pebble leave naught but a single scratch across it. Make it deep so it's distinguishable as a blades. But looks like its strewn from the battle. We will find it and deliver food and water." I command.

She starts to run away but then turns back and embraces me. "Bless you."

"Do not thank me yet, the beasts have not been slain." I reply. I then push her away softly and watch her disappear around another corner. This will either be highly advantageous for us... or bring major suspicion to me.

What matters now is getting back to the others and informing them on what transpired.

HEY! I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR READING THIS CHAPTER, AND THIS BOOK. I ALWAYS LIKE THE ROGUES YOU SEE BACK WHEN MOVIES AND BOOKS TOOK PLACE IN THE MIDIEVAL TIME PERIOD. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED "MINOTAURS IN THE MONASTERY" AND I WILL BE ADDING THE NEXT CHAPTER TOMORROW! AS WITH MY OTHER BOOKS, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE COMMENTS TELLING ME WHERE I CAN IMPROVE AND HOW I DID, AND WHAT YOUR FAVORITE PART WAS IN THIS CHAPTER! I WANT TO SHOUT OUT TO CUPCAKE3313. WHO ENCOURAGED ME TO PUT THIS UP. I RECOMMEND GOING TO READ HER BOOKS LIKE "FALLEN" AND "THE LAST OF THE MOCKINGBIRDS" THEY ARE REALLY GREAT BOOKS. I KNOW I'M REPEATING MYSELF BUT THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS!!