321. Interlude - Saffron's Struggle Part One

Saffron Merryster closed her eyes.

“All for naught…”

She bemoaned her sorrows as she lay in her bed.

“It was all for naught.”

Roman Crimsonfang had rejected the request for aid. He wouldn’t support either the Norwood or Merryster Families. He’d accuse them of attempting to take his life. An assassin that had killed his bodyguards. One that had nearly taken Saffron’s life too.

It was ridiculous. It was utterly ridiculous. He was their only chance— he was one of the few members of the Crimsonfang Family who was on speaking terms with the Norwoods. Let alone the Merrysters. But now all contact was cut.

That reaction was far too emotional. Far too brash. Yet, Roman was a boy. Saffron could, to some extent, understand his reasoning. But it still pissed her off.

“That absolutely f— no, I can’t swear. I have to keep my cool.”

She breathed deeply as she forced herself out of her bed. It was morning. The day after the attempt at her life. Salvos was gone— or, rather, the Salvos clone was gone. Which meant that Saffron had no bodyguard. No protection.

If another Demon assassin came for her life…

Saffron had to shake away the thought.

“I can’t rely on Salvos for everything.”

That was right. While Saffron was grateful for what Salvos had done for her so far, she was still a noble. She still had her pride. A Vampire of the upper class. Someone who should’ve been ale to deal with her own problems on her own.

“I’ll figure out a way to resolve this.”

No matter what shrewd tactic she’d have to rely on, she was going to get Roman Crimsonfang to agree to talks.

—--

“I said I’m leaving today.”

Roman Crimsonfang strode for Norwood Keep’s gates. The hallway leading to the exit was still damaged from yesterday. The fighting between the Salvos clone and the Archdemon had been intense, even if it was enclosed in a small area.

Workers moved to repair the walls and the gate. Saffron could hear the heavy beating of hammer on nails and wood as she came to a halt behind Roman and Zin Norwood. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family tried to convince the boy to stay. To change his mind.

“Please, this is a matter beyond just the relations between our families. If you wait for my son to arrive, he’ll be able to explain—”

“That’s enough.”

Roman shook his head, unrelenting.

“I have already made up my mind. My bodyguards… my friends. I should not have come here under your request. If I had known this would happen, I would’ve spat on your letter and sent it back to you.”

“But we did not—”

Zin started, and he waved a hand.

“I will no longer listen to your excuses.”

He marched down the corridor, only to stop when he saw Saffron. The young noble had noticed the argument and moved to act. She blocked his path with her arms crossed. Zin narrowed her eyes.

“Saffron—”

“Wait, Zin. Let me speak with Lord Roman.”

Zin hesitated, but she saw the look in Saffron’s eyes. A red, glinting look. Saffron knew what she was doing. It was risky ploy. However, she was desperate.

There was no other chance, and Roman was acting ridiculous. The only way to combat an unreasonable act is to be unreasonable herself.

“Greetings, Lord Roman. I heard you have decided to leave after yesterday’s attempt at your life.”

The boy frowned.

“After your assassination attempt failed, I would be foolish to stay in the Norwood Keep any longer. I am leaving, and none of your lies can convince me to stay.”

“Indeed. I am certain you won't change your mind. However, I have come to say farewell. And… good luck.”

Saffron tilted her head slightly as she spoke. Roman blinked.

“What are you talking about?”

“Without a bodyguard or an entourage, it will not be an easy trip back to your estates. It will already be dangerous traversing with the threat of monsters. However, knowing that you are under the threat of assassins as well?”

His eyes widened as she continued.

“Well… perhaps if you find an adventurer whose level is high enough, you will be able to return unscathed. If fortune favors the bold, surely a Diamond Ranked adventurer would be waiting for you in Strawford.”

“I-I…”

The boy hesitated, and Saffron shrugged.

“Of course, if you remain in Norwood Keep, perhaps Zin Norwood herself can offer you her protection from these assassins. Or maybe your good friend Gannon Norwood would be of help. He is returning in under a week’s time, after all. If there’s anyone you can trust, it can be him. Alas, you will be gone by then.”

It was intimidation. Saffron didn’t like it, but she had to do what was needed. And if it meant tricking a boy by subtly threatening his life— even if it was a false threat— then she’d do it.

Roman quivered. He drew back, speaking in a hurried voice.

“I believe I have changed my mind.”

He cleared his throat, spinning around.

“I was not aware that Gannon Norwood would be returning in a few days’ time. I would like to greet him and give him my regards before I am to depart. Even if it means staying with those callous Merrysters.”

Zin nodded eagerly, jumping on this opportunity.

“I assure you, Lord Roman, we will offer you our finest bodyguards and keep an eye out on the Merrysters—”

Saffron sighed in relief as she watched Roman walk further back into Norwood Keep. She’d done it. All by herself. She had to play her hand aggressively if she wanted to keep up with the politicking between the Greater Vampire Families.

“Now, I just have to wait for Gannon to actually get here…”

What was she going to do until then?

—--

Saffron didn’t remain idle. Two days passed, and she spoke to every person of import who was present in Norwood Keep. Individuals from lesser Vampire families were coming to represent their stance in the upcoming meeting. It was a gathering called by the Norwood and Merryster Family. Mostly pertaining to the Norwood Family, since Gannon was going to be there.

He was one of the few individuals who remained sensible throughout everything that had happened in the last few months. That was why Roman had been here.

The fact that Roman Crimsonfang wasn’t going to leave, and was going to represent his family at this meeting, meant that Saffron now had some sway. She wrote a message to Father on the day of Roman’s decision to remain, telling him about the news. Now, she heard back from him.

The Veridian Family has agreed to accompany us to the meeting. We will be showing up with their representatives tomorrow.

That was all that had been written on the communication artifact. Saffron sighed in relief, glad that things were finally beginning to move in the right direction. Now she just had to ensure things sailed smoothly at the meeting itself.

She went to find her sister to prepare and plan for what was to come. The young noble still had her speech— her ultimatum— but she wasn’t sure if that was necessary anymore. Mons Merryster would be able to aid her in making the right call.

Saffron found her sister milling about the dining room. The older Merryster sibling was sipping on a cup of tea all on her own.

“Mons, I was searching for you.”

“I can tell, sister. Come, sit.”

Mons patted the velvet cushion next to her. Saffron fluffed her dress before taking a seat.

“What is going on?”

“Hush. Listen.”

“Listen?”

Saffron narrowed her eyes. She heard a voice from the other room. Someone was yelling. It was a male’s voice. It took the young noble a moment, but she recognized the source of the voice.

Mardyth Norwood. Zin’s brother.

“I told you… this meeting is a shameless power grab—”

His words were clipped. Saffron couldn’t make out everything that was said. Eventually, the shouting died down, and a door down the hallway was flung open. Saffron watched as an old figure marched down the hallway. Mardyth stormed off, before Zin slowly walked out of the room with a sigh.

She glanced over at the Merryster siblings. The older Merryster sister simply took a sip from her cup of tea, while Saffron struggled to find something to pretend to be doing. Zin rolled her eyes.

“You girls overheard, didn’t you?”

“Indeed.”

Mons answered simply. Zin sighed.

“I shouldn’t have expected anything less from you two…”

“What happened, lady Zin?”

Saffron stood up, brows furrowing. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family shrugged.

“My brother is against the meeting. He fears another assassination attempt may be carried out on the day of. He thinks it is a ploy by the Crimsonfangs to ruin both our family’s reputation, while also taking out certain influential targets.”

“What makes him think that? It was a Demon assassin. No Vampire family in their right mind would employ the use of Demons for their own dirty work”

That sounded ridiculous. Mons didn’t seem to believe it either. But Zin shrugged.

“It is a somewhat sound theory. Roman’s parents are, rightfully so, upset about what happened. They have demanded reparation and Roman’s safe return to them. Otherwise, they will retaliate.”

Saffron’s eyes widened.

“Are they being serious?”

More politics? More crap Saffron would have to wade through? No— calm down. She breathed slowly, regaining her composure.

“Do you think Mardyth’s accusations hold any credibility? If the Crimsonfangs are really the ones behind this—”

“I do not know.”

Zin shook her head, speaking curtly.

“I would rather not speculate. However, I shall tell the both of you this one thing: simply be prepared for anything to happen. I will try to look out for you, but I have my own family to watch over. Without your friend—”

“I know.”

Saffron closed her eyes. Salvos wasn’t here. But that didn’t matter. The young noble could handle it on her own.

“It is not Salvos’ mess to clean up.”

“My, sister, you are acting as if this is your job to do alone.”

Mons covered her mouth as she spoke. Saffron shook her head.

“Maybe not. But someone has to do the dirty work. And if everyone is too afraid to step up because of their fear of some kind of repercussion, then I will do it all myself.”

With that, Saffron came to a decision. She would give them all her ultimatum. The political battle for status, wealth, and soft power didn’t matter when their situation was compromised. When they were all exposed as Vampires.

And, finally, the day of the gathering of Greater Vampire Families arrived. Saffron was going to put an end to the needless squabbling once and for all. All by herself.

There was a snap. The clone fluttered into existence as ribbons of golden flames coalesced into the shape of a young woman. Loose gatherings of figures stood in silhouette. The sun dipped over the horizon, and the clone raised her head.

Go find Saffron, the original said. Make sure she’s safe, alright? Tell her I’ll be getting to her soon. I’ve just been caught in an annoying mess.

And the clone obeyed. She luxuriated in the idea of meeting her companion. The lengthy convalescence from their time together would only heighten the vim of their reunion. Her wings spread wide, her body a mere thrall to her excitement, as she departed into the darkening sky. An endless canvas spread out before her. The wheeling stars blazed like smelter pots, illuminating the vast landscape.

The clone saw many things. Undulating hills. Dense forests. Passing over monsters and animals, driven by languor back to their nests. Black clouds emplaned a deluge upon a town. The torchlight twinkled and fizzled out as figures rushed through the raw mud streets.

She landed at the fringe where buildings melded into trees. The rain hammered into her back, simmering into a thin mist of white. A passerby collapsed and pointed.

What are you? asked the Human.

The clone did not answer. She took in the sign. Names were poorly etched onto the wooden board.

Please don’t kill me, the Human begged stupidly.

The sign pointed in different directions. Lightning flashed in the background, followed by a booming thunder. The clone flew off and left the Human alone.

She drifted over the dark clouds as the storm continued. The sea appeared up ahead, and a small city rose up at the edge of the tideline. Fishermen dragged their boats where the sea was teething, bringing back their haul as the day came to a close.

The clone landed amongst them, and they ran screaming. She pulled them back with a Skill, pointing at the peaking buildings behind the city wall.

What do you want? they asked. We have nothing to give you.

She cocked her head, gesturing at the city once more. They exchanged confused glances, and one of them answered.

The city? It’s Eastcliff! At the northern border of Shedos! the Human exclaimed.

The clone nodded at them, grateful, before letting them go. She stood there and watched the shoreline draw closer. The tides grew more animated. The turbulent tempest sent a surf blooming into the beach. The cobbled clouds above dispersed. The sea stilled. A sudden change.

She didn’t take in the pulchritudinous scene. The supremely wondrous weather was but a mere observation in her head. Rather, she gathered her position, using the accrued moments to ascertain the city in relation to her destination.

Finally, the clone surmised her location: she was lost.