Ill Fated

Keshna had been outrunning the hunter all day. Night was not far off, and then she’d have the upper hand when Hadrian awakened from his slumber. The sun already touched the far mountains, and it’s fading light glittered down through the treetops. She smiled as the river came back into view, and poked her head above the underbrush trying to spot the hunter before making her last run for the river.

If Hadrian didn’t show up, she would be caught and drug back to those who’d sent him after her. That was the thought as she leapt up plunging through the brush, the hunter’s mount cried out and she could hear him behind her. The sun was almost gone, the shadows had almost become one and night preside. She fell to the cushions exhausted as the hunter loomed over her.

Reaching down for her D was surprised as another arm shot out and knocked his hand away. The vampire carried no weapons or even moved to attack. He merely stood there protectively over the girl staring up at him.

“Don’t try it hunter. You should not meddle with what you do not understand.” Hadrian tossed his hair back over his should and reached down helping Keshna to her feet. “You should explain to him, my love.”

“Why should we have to explain anything to a hired hunter?”

“Because he’s been paid to do this, and he his the son of a very noble lord; a damphir.”

She lowered her gaze to the ground reaching up to touch her stomach affectionately. “It was not he who attacked me and my mother hunter. It was the villagers who killed my mother and burned our home. He saved me, and our child.”

D stiffened and dismounted standing eye lever with Hadrian he watched them both curiously. He remembered Meier and Charlotte. It was a nightmare he did not want to repeat. “Why?”

“My life is wanted hunter by both humans and vampires alike, but for different reasons. I’ve learned how to use the old weather machines the humans once used, and stabilized the shifting desert sands. In doing so though I also uncovered some sort of weapon the vampires fear. I’ve kept it guarded, but vampire want it destroyed and humans want it to destroy.”

“This does not explain the girl.” D spoke uneasily.

“I needed a heir to guard the weather mechanism when I can no longer hold them off. Someone I can teach to keep it and safe and how imperative it is that neither race is allowed to take control over it. Existing vampires wish to destroy it, and humans want us all dead. But half-breeds, life yourself, seems far more compassionate.” Hadrian sighed tucking Keshna close to his body. “I love this woman, and would never harm her. The child she is to bare is what I need though. I’ve already spoke to our Noble Ancestor of this and he has given me his blessing.”

“Why not destroy the weather mechanism and let the weapon be lost to the sands again?”

“Because it is that machine that also my people to live in the desert without constant fear of being wiped from the face of the planet!” Cried Keshna angrily. “It was when he took control that we could finally settle without fear, and if he dies then many others will. They do not understand that not only does he guard a weapon, but their very lives!”

“Keshna be silent now.”

“But- ”

“Hunter D, I ask of you to spare our lives and forget the mission these people have sent you on. If you doubt what I have told you then speak with our Noble Ancestor, your father, and he will confirm all we have said. If you are not satisfied then you may come and take my life and I will not lift a weapon against you, but I must warn you now that should you strike this entire forest will rise up against you. IT is my protection from the villagers.”

D stilled and listened to the forest around him. There were no beasts moving through its shadows, or the call of creatures in the branches. There was, breathing, the trees breathed and trembled. He probed deeper and was startled to find that they were ready to actually defend the vampire before him. They lived as he did through the vampire. Moved as they willed and not only by the wind.

“This forest will also protect my child from others, and all that she could ever need will be supplied by the forest. Cut a tree, and you will find that it bleeds as any creature does.” Hadrian stood looking into D’s shadowed face. “Trust in me, and no harm will come of my death when I can no longer hold them off. No one has to know the child is mine, and no one will know that she exists here but you, me, and my love.”

“Very well.” Keshna almost lost her strength at D’s agreement. He was going to leave them in peace. Tear ran hot down her cheeks as he mounted and left.

“Thank you hunter!” She called after him and then threw herself into Hadrian’s arms.

“This will not be the end. Remember love, that even our child will have to suffer with fools, and one day she’ll have to do it alone. But I swear to you I will prepare her for that time.


And so Hadrian did. The child was born early and almost took Keshna's life. Tenshia she was named, and the Noble Ancestor himself came and blessed her birth. She was trained in weapon and most importantly how to use and balance the machines that kept the desert calm.

“Good job my child.” Hadrian patted her on the head as she diverted a sandstorm away from a caravan to another area where it would do no harm.

“Father, I’m seventy-three now, mind not patting me on the head.”

“Let me think, no.”

She laughed at him and stared up at the ceiling wishfully. “I want to go with you this year when you go to meet with the other nobility.”

“No my dearest Shia, you must stay here. I’ve explained to you a hundred times why you can’t.”

“I know, but I could pretend to be just another of them and not your child. Please father!”

“My final word is no. Stay here, stay safe.” He smiled the last smile she ever saw as he turned and left the control room. She’d watched his carriage fade into the shadows of the night, and then sobbed when their Noble Ancestor himself came to deliver news of his death.

“Your father was murdered on his way. I am sorry for his death my child.” She cried on his should as she had when her mother had died and her father had locked himself away to protect her from his madness.

“Was it human or vampire?”

“I cannot say.”

She dared a glance over his shoulder at the tall, lean, and rather attractive man who stood just out hearing range. He’d frightened her at first with his cape, hat, and sword that reeked of vampire blood. But he was introduced as Dracula’s son, the son of their Noble Ancestor, Vampire Hunter D. She’d been amazed at the fact he was like her, but that was forgotten when she’d been told of her father’s death.

As much as she’d like to blame him, she couldn’t and she knew it. HE was innocent of the crime.

“Will you be okay here on your own?” Dracula asked lightly brushing her hair back from her eyes.

“I think so, but I couldn’t leave the control room anyways. The forest will protect me and it as it always has, and I can ask for nothing more.”

“You’ve known nothing more than this facility. It was once grand I’m sure, and your father has done wonders with its ruins. But I will be leaving my son with you for a time. He needs a vacation, and you need more company that the woods. Do not fear him, but trust in him. I will send word to you in time.”

“Thank you, I’ll put you up here for the day.”

“A gracious hostess you make. I will accept. Get some rest, I too know how these machines work, and will take care of it for the day.”

Tenshia fell into the soft comfort of her bed, and became oblivious to all else but her sorrow.