I laid awake in my cot late that night, pondering things as I read through the book of curses I had obtained from Alphonse. While I felt good about putting Katy on the path to redemption, I was having second thoughts about the mission I had entrusted to her. Not that she wouldn’t try her best to carry it out, but that she wouldn’t be able to with the curse I had laid on her. I read the passage one last time.

Breaking curses is indeed a complicated issue. Cast through negative emotions, there is an incredibly large chance that the curse will be a warped reflection of what the caster believed they wanted. Jealousy being a prime example. Say a farmer is jealous of the yield of his neighbor. Though he doesn’t know it, he has a slight aptitude for magic and his wish of misfortune upon the harvest manifests as a curse. While the farmer may disillusion himself into believing he only wanted his neighbor to have a slightly lower yield than the caster, other factors often come into play. The farmer might be jealous that the higher yield has led to easier times and greater wealth for his neighbor, as well as a higher regard in the village. These unadmitted jealousies can often change a curse from lowering the yield of his neighbor to practically blighting the land.

Keeping this in mind, the first part of breaking a curse is finding the motivating emotion. After that, there are several options. The easiest is performing a blessing of the opposite emotion on the cursed person. If the person is not available, a blood link may be required. The third option is often the hardest to perform, but provides the best results. If you can find the link between the caster and the afflicted, you can attempt to sever the curse from the source of the magic fueling it. Be warned, this often includes a small backlash to the caster, warning them that their curse has been lifted.

Closing the book, I tried to meditate a bit. Sinking down into myself, I simply existed for a while. No looming war, no angry centurion looking for vengeance, nothing. Then I started looking for connections, surprised when I found so many. Strong connections to my squad, I couldn’t tell the difference between my bond to them and the one to my sister. Bonds to my trainers, the Duke, Father Ennurian, Old Klein, and even Colt. They all surrounded me with a warm radiance, like I was sitting around a campfire.

But I was looking for something different, something I had twisted. It didn’t take long, especially since I knew this would feel like decay and ashes. There it was, a cold indifference that was all that remained after the fires of hatred had burned down. I grabbed the link in my hands, concentrating on it. Immediately my mind was filled with the hurt and hatred as I woke up that night, realizing I had been betrayed by one I trusted.

I let the memories flow through me, accepting them for what they were. Yes, I had a right to feel betrayed. To be angry. But in my ignorance, I had taken things too far. I yearned for justice, for Katy to feel even a fraction of what I felt. And deeper, I had piled unseen hurts onto her as well. Resentment and anger at my family for disowning me. Anger at the vampires, the yet unseen Duke and his daughter, and even Solaris himself for the path I was now forced to walk. Someone should have to pay for all of this, why just me? I was just a simple mountain boy! And my curse worked even as it warped. Instead of trying to teach her to learn to trust, it simply at the trust around it. Forcing Katy to go through unexpected hardships as the world turned its back on her, just like an immature me had thought it turned its back on me.

“You’ve more than paid the price for what you did.” My spirit whispered. “I ask your forgiveness for the trouble I placed upon you. May the light of Solaris guide you in your journeys.” Instead of snapping the cord as I intended, I felt myself turning it into a blessing. The blackness of the cord slowly turned to a golden white, and inspiration struck as I heard a dog howling somewhere nearby.

“May Amaterasu’s fangs sharpen your blades, and her grace guide you on your tasks. Go with the blessings of the sun, Hunter.” It could have been my imagination, but I swear I heard a chuff of amusement as the cord severed and the light raced off into the distance. Or was this all a dream? At some point, I had stopped meditating and dropped off into sleep.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

We left the next morning just before noon, marching in a slightly different formation. We had grown to three full squads, and were entering contested territory. For the duration of the march, one squad would march with shields out for an hour, before rotating to the back of the formation and slinging their shields on their backs for the next two hours. The plan would be the first squad delayed any enemy attacks, while the second and third squads unslung their shields and engaged in a pincer around the already formed shield wall. Lucky us, we had the first rotation since we were the youngest.

It was nearing sundown when we came upon the forward base we would be using. I had to admit it was fairly impressive. The outer walls were made of a double palisade, with sharpened stakes ready to impale the unwary. The outer wall was ten feet high, with the inner wall being double that and half again. Even if the outer wall was lost, it would have no defense from defenders on the inner wall assaulting them. The main entrance was protected by two drawbridges over a spiked pit, both of which angled downward as you were exiting the fort.

Inside tents were arranged in perfect rows, with a central command post in the middle. On top of the command post was a massive tower, projecting runes for defense against vampires. The back left quadrant was set aside for medical tents, while the back right quadrant was reserved for cooking tents, supplies and siege gear.

“Wheeeew.” Thomas whistled from next to me. “I would not want to be told to assault that position.”

“Me neither.” I said, noticing that the corner guard towers were extended past the walls, giving a field of fire that was almost three quarters of a circle. The outer towers were only one level, but the inner ones had three. We marched in, finally glad to be behind walls and looking forward to getting a warm meal and some rest. Just as the last of us crossed the drawbridge, I heard the faintest wisps of music on the breeze. Music that was backed with aural suggestions.

“OH GODS, NOT AGAIN!” We all froze as one of the older soldiers stepped out of the tent, putting his hands on his ears. “LET US SLEEP YOU BASTARDS!” He cried just as his Centurion marched over and slapped him across his face.

“GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF SOLDIER!” He bellowed, and I took a quick look around the camp. Every single soldier seemed haggard, their eyes had deep bags beneath them. A few more chords flew across the breeze, sending shivers down my spine. Most people would be feeling insecure, watched, and unable to rest. Some of the stronger wills would fight it, but judging by the looks of the soldiers this had been going on for a long while.

“That you Brandon?” Thomas asked, staring at me in concern.

“Yeah, sorry.” I apologized as the entire squad looked at me. “These arrogant bastards. They’re using Alphonse’s technique, and THEY’RE DOING IT SLOPPILY!” I shouted, turning to stare into the darkness. Turning back to my comrades, I looked each one in the eyes, and asked, “I can counter it, but I’ll need your help. Can I draw on the blood you gave? I’ll take over your voices, amplifying my own.” Before they could answer, we heard the voices erupt from the edges of the shadows beyond the fort.

Become a god in the land of the fire

Bring on the madness, you’re born to destroy!

Beyond the trail of Tartarean riders,

Armata Strigoi!

Before the morning can break we retire.

The searing heat of the sun we avoid.

Await the dark proud Walachian fighters,

Armata Strigoi.

WE ARE THE STORMBOUND, THE AVATAR

WE ARE THE SONS OF GOD AND SORROW

WE ARE THE ONES WHO SEE NO TOMORROW

SUCK UP! ARMATA DE STRIGOI!

We hail the night and we kill through the darkness

Our darkest sins we refine and deploy

Along the front of Moldavian strikers

Armata Strigoi!

We have no mercy we give out no quarter

Consume your hope as you watch in dismay.

We drink the blood of the fallen believer,

Armata Strigoi!

WE ARE THE STORMBOUND, THE AVATAR

WE ARE THE SONS OF GOD AND SORROW

WE ARE THE ONES WHO SEE NO TOMORROW

SUCK UP! ARMATA DE STRIGOI!

“They think they can discourage us with that?” Small Paul snarled. “Give ‘em hell Brandon. I’m in.” The rest of the squad immediately agreed, and we marched back out to the edge of the drawbridge. We formed a double line of shields, with me in the center front alone. Slamming our swords on our shields, you could feel the anticipation on the air as everyone wondered what was going on. We had no instruments, but our blades on shields provided the beat. As one, we sang as I showed the vampires what it was like to truly infuse your words with power.

Hunt the undead, in the dark of damnation.

Pious in head, and a demon at heart.

Sworn against the night, an evangelist nation born

Under the sign of the Sun.

Stalk the wilds, form the horde of the brave men

Brothers allied, fight the storm of this curse

Banners up high as we rise we are Legion sworn

All for the light we revere

Combat ahead and the night calls for heroes

Ready for fire command

Revel in red, come and wake up to bring no remorse

Stand up as force

Rise over the dead bring us ahead

Incense and iron

Fight all of the night

Banners up high to the top of the land

Right blades painted red all you can get

Incense and iron

Stand, follow the fight doing the right

As we come to defend

Hallow the damned with the art of salvation

Fighting the night, and our brothers die first

Serving the wolf, we bear her fangs

Blades blessed by the light from beyond

Bury the night in imperial hunger

Do or die in this fortress of fear

Cannot deny all the wonders are sacred burst

Under the weight of this world.

Remedy sent, raise your blades in union

Tear the liar’s intent

Devil in head, come and break out

And raise up the sword,

Stand up as horde!

Rise over the dead bring us ahead

Incense and iron

Fight all of the night

Banners up high to the top of the land

Right blades painted red all you can get

Incense and iron

Stand, follow the fight doing the right

As we come to defend

WHEN WE ALL STAND TOGETHER!

As our voices stopped, I could feel a palpable change. The air around us didn’t just seem cleaner, it felt like it had a purpose again. That nothing in the dark would stand against us, and never again would our hearts quail in the face of the enemy. However, I knew that the one leading the enemy could wear away that protection given enough time, even with his lesser skill. Besides, I had come across something in the journals that I could finally put right.

“COME FORTH AND FACE JUDGEMENT, BETRAYER!” I bellowed, aura infusing my voice. “I CALL YOU OUT IN THE NAME OF OUR SHARED MASTER, ALPHONSE THE GRIM! THE MASTER YOU BETRAYED TO THE SANGUIMANCERS! SHOW YOURSELF, HIDEAKI KOBAYAKAWA!”

Even the insects remained silent after my pronouncement. After nearly a minute, a form appeared on the other side, slowly walking forward.

“Legion!” I ordered, half turning so they could hear. “This is a battle of honor! One on one, and it will not be interfered with, understood?”

“YES SIR!” My friends bellowed, and I matched the pace of Hideaki as he closed the gap between us.

“And who is it that dares to call me to battle? I am the Black Tongue, Slayer of The Grim!”

“You betrayed the Grim, never slew him.” I countered. “I would know. Hear my name and tremble, knowing your final moments approach. I am Brandon Clayson. Bearer of Fate’s End. Inheritor of the Grim Blade.”

Despite the distance, I could see the flinch of recognition on his face as I drew my blade and discarded my shield. I gave it a slow flourish, enhancing the red glow of the blade with a trickle of my own magic.

“No! NO! LIES! IMPOSSIBLE! I DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU OBTAINED THAT SWORD, BUT I’LL HAVE IT AND YOUR HEAD!” He screamed, launching forward as he sent several blades of blood at me.

With that, I threw myself into battle. My right hand wielding Fate’s End, my left enhanced into a claw by my aura. Bloody blades, hooks and all manner of weapons swirled around us as we ripped and tore into each other. The Legion had taught me to fight in a group, methodically. This was primal. Blood flew in arcs, only to pause in midair and be reabsorbed. Wounds regenerated in seconds, leaving only rent cloth and armor in their wake.

“How do you yet live? You are no vampire!” Hideaki screamed over the clash of our swords, and I could taste his desperation. Even now, he looked for a way to retreat.

“I’m your worst nightmare.” I snarled as I landed a particularly vicious swipe across his face, missing taking an eye by less than an inch. “I’m a sanguimancer.”

“THE SANGUIMANCERS ARE DEAD!” He cried, renewing his assault. I smiled, egging him on. Relaxing my offensive, I parried the blows I couldn’t dodge. In the thirty seconds of his furious assault, he must have launched nearly a hundred slices and slashes, and not a single one landed. Stepping around his last overhand strike, so poorly overbalanced he barely needed my gentle push to send him sprawling on his face.

“It’s time to end this farce.” I said. “You may be a coward and a betrayer, but I’ll let you get back on your feet. I’ll even let you die as a vampire battles, though you haven’t earned it.”

“RRRAAAAGGHHH!” He roared, flipping around and launching himself at me, only to be frozen in midair. His red eyes widened in fear as he realized that he was bound by tentacles of my aura. Howling in agony, he was helpless as I casually ripped through the muscles of his arms and legs, disabling them and forcing him to his knees before me, broken.

“And now, Alphonse may yet get a measure of peace in the afterlife.” I said. As an unasked question formed on Hideaki’s mouth, I pierced his heart with a thrust of Fate’s End, twisting it and withdrawing it before a backhanded swipe removed his head from his shoulders. I let the body fall, but brought the head to me and swiped a fingertip of his blood, swiftly swallowing it before concentrating on a spell.

It took a few minutes to perform, before I turned to the shadows behind me and called out, “I need a messenger. COME!”

Seconds later, a vampire came from the shadows, fighting my compulsion with everything he had. It wasn’t nearly enough, as he slowly made his way before me and knelt, asking, “What can this one do, Your Grace?”

“Who was the commander of this one?”

“Ieasu Tokugawa, Your Grace.”

Nodding, I made a few alterations to my spell as the vampire quivered in fear. When I was done, I wrapped the head in the cloak Hideaki had worn, tying it so that you couldn’t tell what was inside. At least, if you couldn’t smell the blood. “Deliver this to Ieasu before the sun rises. Take it and begone.”

“At once!” It cried, grabbing the head and running away as fast as it could. As it fled, I walked toward my squad, who had been joined by an irate Centurion Clavis and a thoroughly confused looking base Praefectus.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Inside the throne room of Sawayama Castle

“Report.” I sighed in annoyance, leaning back as my advisors entered the room. The blood around my mouth obediently entered, leaving no trace on my face as it’s donor wench crumpled into a heap at my feet. Her eyes rolled in feverish delight as beads of sweat formed on her pale brow.

“My Lord Ieasu.” Terumoto Mori knelt midway across the room, as was proper.

“Rise, and tell me of your news.”

“Reports are that the Legion has received token reinforcements. Barely three squads and six wagons of supplies. Our main threat remains Hideyori in Osaka castle. Our squads and theirs clash in the plains, but without being able to dispel this mist we are unable to field a proper army and retaliate.”

“It is no matter. The plains yet need blood, and so we shall feed them. Let the young have their fun, and earn their names in battle.”

*CLANG*

We both froze as the doors blew open to reveal an exhausted vampire running forward as he slammed his head onto the ground. “APOLOGIES FOR INTERRUPTING, MY LORD!” He cried, and I noticed the bloody package he carried. “I’ve been sent with a message for you from the Legion!”

“From the Legion?” I muttered. “Rise, and open the package, but stay where you are.” I ordered, motioning Terumoto to move to my side. The messenger immediately complied, opening the cloak without removing his head from the floor. I felt a bit of my anger evaporating at his obedience. Perhaps he might live through this encounter yet. That was, until I beheld the severed head of the Black Tongue, eyes rolled up and face locked in fright. Suddenly, the eyes blinked and locked onto me, and it spoke.

“Tokugawa Ieasu?”

“I am he.” I nodded.

“This is your only warning. Take your armies and leave these bloody plains, and never again pursue the rank of Sanguine Emperor. Obey, and the Legion will allow your withdrawal without bloodshed. Ignore this warning, and you and your retainers will be slaughtered to the last.”

“Bold words from someone who doesn’t dare meet me face to face. Why should I, a Blood Duke, listen to rabble such as yourself?” I chuckled.

“I am a sanguimancer.” Came the solemn reply.

“Nonsense, the sanguimancers are dead!” I snarled. “Now, I don’t know who you are, but rest assured I will find out. And when I do, I will torture you endlessly. I will turn you, and starve you, and force you to eat every member of your family. Understand?”

“So, I guess that’s a no. No matter. You cannot hide from me, as you are marked. When our paths cross, yours shall end.” With that, searing daylight erupted from the eyes of the head, striking Terumoto and myself in the chest, burning the sigil for ‘marked’ into our flesh. As the light died down, I saw the head and the messenger had both been reduced to piles of ash.

“Find him, and bring him before me.” I snarled, and several shadows detached themselves from the wall to do my bidding.

“My Lord, are you alright?” Terumoto asked.

“I’ll be much better when whoever dared to mark me is crawling before me, begging my forgiveness and mercy.” I said, shuddering briefly in pain as I rubbed the brand on my skin. I could taste his magic, and it sent involuntary shivers down my soul. For his magic bore the brightness of the sun. “Sanguimancer.” I mumbled, before striding off to my rooms. It wouldn’t do to allow certain underlings to see I had been injured, even something as simple as this. They might get ideas, and I didn’t need to go through a culling when we were just getting ready to ramp up a war.