Dracula: Patient zero

Chapter: 7

Head for a head

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The old man Quintus was asleep, Vladus had finished cutting the fire wood and was now on his way to feed. Vladus had a large distance to cover as he was now feeding as far away as possible from Quintus' home to avoid bringing him heat from the people tracking 'the bear'.

This time he set his sights on a lone horse awaiting the return of its owner. Vladus quickly broke its neck and started sucking on a big and delicious artery. After drinking for five minutes, he was now full and since he could hear footsteps approaching, he decided it was enough for tonight.

So he started running back to Quintus' home, trying to catch a bit of sleep since he was now mostly up during the day. As long as he avoided sunlight, all was good. Even Quintus seemed to understand Vladus' aversion to sunlight and didn't question it.

As he neared Quintus’ home, the smell of smoke and blood came to his nose. Immediately worried Vladus accelerated his pace, and when he finally saw Quintus’ house... It was ablaze... Burning intensely with flames reaching the roof.

Vladus quickly ran inside alerted by the smell of blood but what he saw inside, was what he feared the most. Quintus was lying on the floor in a puddle of his own blood, headless. Now breathing heavily with his eyes turning pitch black, Vladus let out a roar that had nothing human about it. It would have frozen the blood in anyone's veins.

«Vladus» ROOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!

As fast as lightning Vladus went outside and lifted his nose high up, sniffing... Trying to pick up his teacher's sent. They took his head... This would become their downfall. Finally finding the direction they had gone toward Vladus disappeared in a blur.

He entered the brain of all the bats living in the area, and sent swarms of them in all directions, looking for one or more people on horses. He quickly found what he was looking for. There were three horsemen riding away from Vladus’ position at high speed.

In the blink of an eye Vladus was already on an interception course. He sent swarms of bats at them making them fall from their horses. The horses panicked and left them behind alone in the woods with an angry and vengeful Vladus already there, looking at them.

The forest was dark, lightened only by a few rays coming from the moon peering through the tree canopy. The warm soil reacting to the cold wind emitted a low hanging fog reaching up to the knees. The bats finally gone the three men were catching their breath.

«Vladus» Hello gentlemen....

«Man #1» Who is it? Where are you? Said the man anxiously.

«Vladus» I know you killed him. This time the voice came from behind them making them jump and quickly turn around.

«Vladus» I came for his head. The voice had changed location once again.

«Man #2» Hahahahaha then why don't you come here and try to get it.

Thump!*

Reacting the the sound Man #1 and man #2 quickly turned around. Man #3 was lying on the ground, headless. Now really panicking, the two remaining men positioned themselves back to back with their swords drawn.

«Vladus» Oops... Sorry about that, looks like I got the wrong one. You can have it back...

Man #3's head suddenly came flying at man #1 and #2 making both swivel in the same direction. Before the head even reached them Vladus was already behind them and knocked man #1 unconscious. Vladus then caught #3's head with one hand as he broke man #2 arms rendering him incapable of holding onto his sword.

«Man #2» HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaa!!!!! He screamed in pain, his arms bent in a way they shouldn't.

«Vladus» Now now... You see you are alive because I have very important questions that need answers...

«Man #2» HAAAAAAAaaaahhhhh! The man simply couldn't bear the pain. What a weakling thought Vladus...

«Vladus» Well then, let's do this the easy way then I guess... I need you to concentrate on who ordered you to kill Quintus.

Vladus then grabbed #2's face, digging his claws into his skull. He then opened his mouth as wide as he could, his fangs grew longer and his eyes turned black. Vladus ferociously ripped the man’s throat to shreds and feasted upon his blood.

Vladus could see the man's recent memories, he saw everything. The imperium, Larce Vipinas... The great imperium himself had ordered Quintus' murder? Vladus then did the same with man #1 and got more interesting information.

A way to truly enact revenge. Vladus wanted 'the imperium' to suffer to the point of wanting to kill himself, only then would he be satisfied. Quintus was his only family... Every-time he loved someone, he ended up losing them...

There was a huge price to pay if he was to ever quench his anger, and man #1's memories would help him do just that. Vladus was so shamelessly exited about his plan for revenge that he had almost forgotten about Quintus' head.

Thank to his sense of smell, he found it without looking around too much. He just followed his nose and had been led to a leather purse attached to one of the men’s belt. Inside of it was Quintus's head, still showing his last expression before dying.

«Vladus» ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRR Buhuhuuhsob*sob*sob* He stayed there a few minutes on his knees, mourning Quintus while holding his head in his arms.

Since the sun was soon to rise, he would have to wait before burying it... But for now, he had a more urgent matter to attend to... He needed a new place to sleep.

[A while later]

On the outskirt of Felsina city, a young woman was riding her horse in the company of 8 mounted soldiers acting as bodyguards. Being like a bird in a golden cage, the young lady named Velia was confined to the walls of her father's mansion and could only go out during her daily horse ride.

Those rides were her only escape from this suffocating life she had been born into. Certainly she was rich, had everything she wished for, except the freedom to see the world. She was the stereotypical locked up princess born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

They were soon to reach the city of Felsina when Velia stopped to admire the sunset under the watchful eyes of her guards.

«Guard» Milady, it's already dark outside, we need to make haste before your father starts worrying.

«Velia» I know Aranth... But can you blame me for wanting to admire the sunset?

«Aranth» Of course not milady, I wish you could be more free to do as you like, but your father's orders are a priority. We also need to cross a small forest before reaching Felsina and bandits may hide in there during the night.

«Velia» Sighhh... I understand... But I still got to ride a few minutes under the moonlight... I am pleased enough... Let us go back now!

«Aranth» Yes! Milady!

The group then left in a hurry, riding like the wind and entered the dark forest bordering Felsina city. As they were hurrying through the forest, a flock of bats coming out of nowhere suddenly swarmed them making the horses panic.

Lady Velia horse took off running with her on top of it while the guards’ horses were rearing uncontrollably, trying to get rid of the bats. The guards being unable to control their horses could do nothing as they watched the lady they were meant to protect, disappearing into the darkness of the forest all alone.

«Velia» HIIIIIiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!! Help!!!!!!!!!!! Someone help me!!! She yelled in panic, incapable of making her panicking horse stop.

Her horse ran and ran deep into the forest before calming down and finally stopping in the middle of nowhere. Lady Velia was trying to make out her surroundings, trying to find her way back to her guards.

«Velia» Hello??? Someone??? Aranth??? I'm here!!!

But nobody answered making the young lady panic as she was now totally lost and alone in a dark forest.

GRROowwwwllllllll*

Out of nowhere, a huge gray wolf appeared on top of a small hill. The horse immediately panicked and threw the young lady off of his back before disappearing in the darkness of the forest, running away for his life.

«Velia» Aouchhh! The young lady had sprained her ankle and was now face to face with the starving wolf, unable to run.

«Velia» Sniff* sniff*.. WannNNN!!!! I'm scared!! HELP SOMEONE!!!! Waaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn!*

The gray wolf ran towards her and as he was about to sink it's teeth into her, Slash!* The wolf's head went flying up in the air, the body simply falling like a stone on the floor. Lady Velia was lying on the floor, her eyes closed awaiting death but nothing happened...

She slowly opened her eyes and saw the wolf lay next to her, dead... Then quickly noticing a dark shadow to her left, she jumped back and looked at what it was. It was a young man around 20 years old, a bloody sword in hand, looking back at her.

«Vladus» Ufff... That was a close call... Are you alright miss?

«Velia» WANNNNNNNNNNnnnnnnnnnnn!!!! I was so scaredddd sob*sob*sob* Vladus knelled next to her, and held her in his arms close to his chest.

«Vladus» Everything's alright... I'm with you now you're safe.

«Velia» Snif snif... T..t.thank you... sniff* sniff.*.. W..who are you? She asked while still trying to calm herself.

«Vladus» My name is Vulci Tlesnasa, a traveler that luckily happened to pass by and hear your call for help. And who are you?

«Velia» Velia Vipinas... Thank you again for saving my life.

«Vladus» Don't mention it, it's only natural for a man to save such a beautiful lady from danger. Velia slightly blushed at Vladus’ words.

«Vladus» Are you from Felsina? She nodded to confirm Vladus assumption.

«Vladus» Alright, come with me, I will escort you back home. Said Vladus extending his hand for her to hold onto.

«Velia» I am most grateful to you but... I think I sprained my ankle. She embarrassingly said.

«Vladus» I see... Then there's no helping it... Apologies for my boldness. Said Vladus as he lifted her in his arms like a princess.

«Velia» WA.w.awa.wa..What are you doing???!. She said in a panicky voice.

«Vladus» Don't mind it, we just need to get you home safe and since you are very light this is the easiest way... She simply blushed and stayed silent.

Vladus walked with her in his arms while making sure the guards could not reach them by using his bats to send them in all directions. After an hour of walking, Vladus finally reached the Vipinas' estate with Velia safely in his arms.

«Guard» LADY VELIA!!!!! Are you alright??!! Who is this man!??? LET GO OF LADY VELIA YOU SCUM!

«Velia» SHUT UP! And drop that sword immediately!!!! This man saved my life and carried me all the way here since I sprained my ankle! I won't allow you to disrespect him!

«Guard» S.s.S..Sorry lady Velia... The Imperium, your father was very worried you need to go see him right now. Some guards took her from Vladus arms and led her toward the mansion.

«Vladus» I shall leave then, be well lady Velia. Vladus then turned around ready to leave when lady Velia suddenly spoke to him.

«Velia» That won't do... You saved my life, I shall have my father reward your courage. Come with us.

«Vladus» That won't be necessary lady Ve-

«Velia» I won't accept no for an answer.. Come with us sir Vulci

«Vladus» If...If you insist lady Velia, I shall go then... Hearing that, Lady Velia showed a satisfied smile.

They entered through the giant double front door accompanied by many guards. The inside of the mansion was more than lavish... There were paintings, sculptures, and everything seemed to be inlaid in gold and silver.

They walked down the long and poorly lit corridor before finally reaching a massive brass door with an intimidating face sculpted on it. Like on the warriors shields, this was the face of a God aimed a scaring their enemies at the sight of it.

«Guard» Imperium Larce Vipinas, Lady Velia as returned!

They opened the door and behind it was a giant room. At the back of the room was a man sitting on a giant chair covered with gold. Seeing Lady Velia, the man got up and ran toward her.

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» Velia!!!!!! My baby girl!! They both hugged each other for a few seconds before the man's attention turned toward Vladus.

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» Who is this? He said while throwing a suspicious look at Vladus.

«Velia» Father, this is sir Vulci Tlesnasa. He saved my life from a dangerous wolf earlier... He wanted to leave but I insisted for him to come and receive a reward.

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» Is that true? Sir Vulci Tlesnasa I owe you the life of my precious daughter... Ask what you want and I shall grant it to you. Said the Imperium while sitting back on his throne.

Then thinking a little about something the Imperium asked:

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» Vulci Tlesnasa.... Why does this name sound familiar to me..?

«Vladus» Ho that's because you knew my teacher, the man who gave me this name... You see he was my family, the man I cared for the most in this world. Sadly, he died not long ago... You must understand how I felt since you also have someone precious to you... Someone you call family... Said Vladus while looking at lady Velia.

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» Hummm... My condolence... This must have been hard on you... May I inquire on your teacher's name?

«Vladus» ....... Tlesnasa.... Quintus Tlesnasa. The Imperium eyes grew big after hearing the familiar name.

Vladus quickly moved next to Lady Velia, ripped her head off and threw it on the Imperium laps.

«Vladus» I came to return the favor.

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» NOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo!!!!!! GUARDSSS!!!!!!!!!

When the guards finally reacted, Vladus was already long gone. He had disappeared out of thin air like magic immediately after finishing what he had came to do.

«Imperium Larce Vipinas» My...m...My baby girl... NOOoooo sob*sob*sob FIND HIM! WHOEVER HE IS! BRING ME HIS HEAD ON A SPIKE!

The following days, thousands of guards roamed the country looking for a man fitting Vladus description, but Vladus was already long gone... This country had nothing to offer him anymore so he left with no regret after finally avenging his mentor, Quintus.

Vladus was heading north, toward the lands that had been his birthplace long, long ago. Today it was Celts territories, Vladus’ descendants... Not that he knew any of this but he was heading toward one of those presences he could feel all around the world...

He still wondered what he had in common with them and his curiosity simply got the best of him. Were they cursed like him? Then could they feel his presence the same way he could sense them? Were they related to his past in any way?

Guided by the stars and the felt 'presence', Vladus moved at a fast pace during the nights, anxious of what he would encounter after finally reaching his target's location. Around a month later, Vladus finally reached Gaul.

In the Celt’s territories the Gauls were among the fiercest warrior in the lands. (The Gauls are the French ancestors.) They were no better than barbarians in the eyes of the more civilized countries like Etruscany, Carthage and the likes.

Simply take the way they honored their warriors fallen in battles. The way they honored them was by severing their heads, and keeping them on top of poles as if they were still alive. And instead of burying their bodies, they were building massive wooden frames on which they attached the headless bodies in a standing position with armors, weapons and shields equipped.

By doing this they created what looked like an army of headless warriors in standing position ready to attack. (Don't ask me what they were thinking... It's pretty fucked up but it's historical fact.) But there was one thing that immediately came to Vladus' mind... Upon his arrival, he immediately felt at home there.

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Many thanks to gcman01 & nf_zeta for proofreading this chapter!

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