Violence in the Alley

The vampire Alucard came into the inn the night of the Halloween Party, and I could tell that he came looking for a fight. You can always tell with these people. They think they?re so high and mighty. He thinks his pistols are a threat to people. I?ve got news for him, the nexus has made those gun old technology, yesterday?s news.

He went after Jade in the Inn and I told him to put his guys away. He did, but then he took Jade and transported her to the alley. Next thing you know Brian, Lydia, Icer and Erin are running for the door, heading to the alley.

Then my Des had to go. I yelled after her, ?Get a good story, but be careful!?

A lot of good that did. She just can?t keep out of mischief. I suppose that?s just one of the many things I love about her, but now she?s pregnant and needs to be very careful.

My shift was just over when the noise in the alley was loud enough to raise the dead. I heard Des yell and that was all I needed to hear. I ripped off my costume, put on my armor and grabbed my elfin sword which could feel my anger. It was already glowing upon my back in its baldric as I went out the back door and into the alley.

I could see I was already too late. Des was down on the ground. I removed my sword and shouted out, ?Who did this? WHO THE FUCK MESSED WITH MY WIFE!?

Jenai pointed the vampire out.

Alucard said, ?Hello, I just had a bit of a scrap with everyone here and they almost killed me.?

Tera bit her lip to keep from screaming out in pain as she was lifted by Brian, then she heard my voice and called out, ?Babe! I need you!?

The fool of a vampire actually grinned and said, ?Ah, so your wife is among these, who may I ask??

I wasn?t about to waste words.

I walked up to the fucker, swung the blade and cuts his fucking head off in one movement that was too fast for him to avoid. As the pitiful excuse for a head rolled black to the body, I lifted the glowing Elvin blade once more and sliced the body in two. I turned my back on what was left of him, sheathed the blade and rushed to my wife, wondering how badly she was hurt, and praying that the wounds could be healed by the magic I could wield.

My prayers were answered.

From the Back Alley to Westridge

Gavilean hurried through the streets with his wife in his arms. He movements were silent and they were nearly invisible in the darkness except for the way his armor occasionally caught the light of street lamps and reflected it outward. In spite of the wards on the Mansion, he'd feel better having Des safe within the borders of Westridge where armies of elves 100,000 strong and the magic of the land and those within it would provide protection for his wife and child. He was nearly at the mansion when he felt the magic begin to dissipate - the magic that numbed Des and put her into a deep sleep.

The first thing Des realized was that Gav's arms were holding her. Her eyes opened to the darkness of the night that was no longer filled with pain and she blinked to get her bearings. They were moving quickly down the street now and she could no longer hear the sounds of battle nor moans of pain from her friends. She lifted an inquisitive glance to her beloved husband. "Babe, thank you for healing me. Is everyone else okay too do ya know?"

His jaw was set, his mind concentrating on a plan that was already forming in his head. He still didn?t know if anything had happened to their child and if Des was fully healed. He felt her coming to consciousness and looking at him. He placed his cheek to her forehead and spoke in a soft, comforting voice, "Shhhh, baby. It's going to be alright. The others will be okay. There are many who are looking after them."

They passed through the guard gate, and he gave instructions to the gatekeeper to tell the head of the staff that he and Des was going to Pineridge Castle. He also quickly gave instructions to have someone bring her new coat along with other articles of clothing for them both.

Gav carried Des to the backyard of the mansion, back to where the pond and hot springs were with their surrounding pines and yews. He passed through to where the portal was; a portal that would be invisible and impenetrable to any without the magical "signature" that one must have to use it. "We're going to safety, my love."

She shifted slightly in his arms in order to be able to see where they were headed then relaxed back against the armor breastplate as the hot springs came into view and she knew where he was taking her. They hadn't been out of RhyDin for what felt like forever and hadn't had any time to themselves in what felt like even longer so going back to Westridge after this harrowing experience had a soft smile curving into place and her eyes drifting closed once more although she did not return to sleep.

"You?re takin' me home Babe and I am so very happy to see that. We ain't been there in a very long time and I don't know about you but I am thinking that this would be a grand fine time for us to be takin' a little vacation. What do you think Babe? A little vacation perhaps just the two of us in that little picnic spot that I do love so much?"

He had other ideas beside a vacation; nevertheless he was sure they could spare just a little time to go to their picnic spot to enjoy a walk amongst the pine and the fallen and soon-to-fall leaves. Westridge winters could be harsh, and there was much to do before the snows set in. "Of course, darlin'. We'll see our special place." How could he refuse her? She was so dear, so precious to him. There was nothing that he wouldn't do for her if it were within his power to do so.

He stepped into the portal. Pines and the sounds of the hot springs gave way to the smell of cedar. Open air turned into an interior. Sounds of the night turned into the perfect quietness of the hidden chamber behind the library walls of Pineridge castle, seventy-five miles to the northeast of the great city of Westridge and Arda Palace. A press of the right brick and the bookcase-door swung open and they entered the library proper. Gavilean called out for the servants and soon the staff was assembled before them. He ordered for all the fireplaces in the master suite to be prepared and for food to be brought to them. He carried Des up the stairs to their room. It was less than 30 minutes since he had picked her up off the alley street.

( -= to be continued in "Westridge - A Journey for Life" =- )