e

Leda slipped into Alexander's room, the black mist that she courted
like a winding sheet winding around her volumptous form. She knew
that Badahur was somewhere nearby, but she entered his room alone,
walking over to where Alexander slept.

Alexander stirred from his reocurring dream about the man with the
eyes black as coal, and the long black feathery wings rising from the
pool of blood which he could only assume was the river styx to the
sight of the beautiful woman. Her hair was long like the flowing mane
of a lion. She wore a purple corset top which accented her full
breasts to perfection and a pair of black pants which hugged her long
legs and round derriere. The woman was quite a sight to wake up to,
and when she sprung on him, nimble as a cat, slipping onto his bed,
placing a blade against his throat, he did not have time to even
blink.

Leda touched Alexander using the touch of pleasure, as she had used
the touch of pain on him before. It was another of her gifts,
gathered after centuries of life as a worthy priestess and one of the
elect.

"You will come with me, Alexander, the High Priest requires your
presense. You will not fight me, or you will be tortured and it will
only be this sweet to me. You will plead for death....." Leda said.

Alexander shuddered under her touch. The touch of pain was something
few could resist, as it was, the touch of pleasure was its reverse,
and many a foe fell to their knees in the heat of battle under the
onslaught of its power. A most potent feeling that few could resist,
which pushed one towards the moment of powerful nearly painful bliss.
To make it worse Leda was most desirable, and she had sent many a foe
onto their knees in the heat of battle with the unexpected use of its
power. Alex did not resist her ecstasy as he had her agony. He
yielded to her touch.

The vampire who's origins were unknown and who had gotten the
attention of the sacred priesthood of the Blood on its account said
in response to the use of the power and Leda's words. "I respect the
Priesthood of the Blood....I yield unto you now as representative of
the one who created us all."

Leda heard his words. She had been doing this job for centuries now.
She had never not even once had someone yield out of respect for
their god. It had always been out of fear of death and what she could
do. She was taken aback by this for the moment. Alexander was not
like most people. He seemed to be able to resist some vampire
abilities. He was a visionary it was said, and now he was yielding
out of respect and not fear. Leda could see it. Badahur if he
lingered near and she trusted he probably still did, would be able to
know for sure, but she knew there was no fear in his eyes and only
respect. Normally that lack of fear would enfuriate her but because
of the emotion which was there, it did not.

Leda slipped a pair of handcuffs onto Alexander just so that if this
was a trick, he would not have use of his hands which powered most
vampire abilities. Touch was required for nearly all of them and it
secured their safety as he was brought back to the temple the best
way.

Somehow she did not expect even if he could do things not requiring
touch that he would attempt them now.

She led him out to her vehicle and made him slip inside the back
seat. She then began driving towards the temple with her
prisoner.When they arrived at the temple, he was ushered inside
before the High Priest. When he was brought into the dimly lit room,
the temples leader let the black mist wind around the prisoner like a
winding sheet in the telltale manner that was uniquely their
own. "Kneel...."

Alexander did as he was told.

The High Priest moved over to him and placed his hand on the mans
forehead. "You are not afraid. In fact, I sense only great respect
and the desire to please me not out of fear but....respect. You are
an enigma, Alexander. Tell me of yourself. Speak candidly, I will
know if you lie to me."

"I am adopted. I am not the Psychic Vampire that my father was. Most
do not know this. I am in fact a Blood Vampire. Born of the
Pureblood, the son of Regina and Stefan of Budapest Hungary I have
always had a slight resistance to vampire powers, and I have dreams,
of the Blood." Alexander said.

"Honorable one.....have I been condemned?" Alexander asked. "If so I
accept your fate and judgement...." Alexander said keeping his eyes
on the man for only a moment before bowing his head in reverance.

"You will enter the .River Syx. The blood will determine your fate."
The High Priest said.as he reached behind the man to release his
hands.

He began to lead him to the inner temple where only those who would
feed the blood or serve him would go.

Alexander saw it. The River Styx, flowing crimson that called to him
in his dreams and even waking moments. He looked to the blood for a
moment before walking humbly to that which he believed created him
and all things. He entered the river the shallow part of it, and he
fell unto his knees.

"If I am unworthy, take me now, my lord...." Alexander said. He could
feel the blood move around him, the tides of crimson brushing against
his skin. He was afraid now, but he was surrendered to this. He was
showing the respect that he believed was due onto the power much
greater then himself.

He bowed his head for a moment.

There was a gasp as a something began to rise from the surface of the
blood.

Those in attendance fell to their knees as well. Never had any
present seen anything come from the blood. Accept for the High
Priest, who knelt last, like a man in power typically would,
hesitating a bit longer.

The tips of black wings covered in blood grazed the surface, when the
demon, as it was clear that was what he was stepped from the River
Styx. He looked out to the priests of the blood, then down at the one
who entered the sacred river.

The demons muscles rippled a bit as he moved towards Alexander,
touched the head of the man who bowed before him unable to see his
face. It was clear he wanted him to look at him.

"You killed a priest of the blood......which is why you are here...."
The demon said in a voice that carried through the room in a dark
cold chill wrapping its around them all like the clutches of death
itself."What do you wish of me Alexander Colville?"

The vampire looked up at the demon and spoke. "I would ask for my
live.....and give it into your service, if you would have me....."

The vampire called to one of the priests kneeling out in the
sanctuary. "Morgan, come...."

The man entered the pool of blood and knelt before his master.

"You will kill her.......she is unworthy of me.......I read her mind
and heart her blasphemy is unforgivable...." The demon spoke in a
harsh whisper.

She went to draw her blade at the same time that Alexander did but
she was not fast enough and he cut her down in the pool of
blood.bleeding the life out of her, incapacitating her.

"Remove her heart, it is my judgement..." The demon said.

Alexander did as he was told.

The demon looked to Alexander and said. "Drink of the River
Styx........share in its power........for you Alexander are my chosen
prophet."

Alex cupped the blood in his hands and trembled as he brought it to
his lips. When he had drunk, he looked up at his master. "Thank
you....I will serve you always...."

"Train him in the ways of the Blood....accept him as one of your
own...." The demon said as he sank back into the depths of the blood.

Everyone rose slowly after the demon had gone.

"Come Alexander...." The High Priest and leader of the Priests and
Priestesses of the Blood said as everyone stood looking to the now
still waters. "I will take you to your cell and begin your training.
Nhosal has decreed it...."

Zohra entered the chambers of Alexander Colville. The Flesh-Eater and
Priestess of the Blood was being sent to tell the man about the way of
the Priest, and everything that he neeeded to know.

"Welcome Alexander....you showed great courage earlier when entering
the River Styx. I commend your bravery." She sat down a book for him to
read. "This book contains all that you need to know about your new
position as Priest of the Blood.

"Pay particularly close attention to the Law....as it will be a
defining part of who and what you are from this moment onward...."

Zohra knew they said that this man was a prophet, she wondered at his
visions, she wanted to know more about them. She wanted to know more
about him.

"They say you are a visionary, Alexander Colville....what see you? What
does the future hold for us all?"

 

The High Priest of the Blood sat for a long time upon his throne made
of glistening carved clean bones before standing and deciding upon
his course of action.

He had prayed for a long time to the blood about what had occured
earlier with his so called prophet, Alexander.

Now he wanted to seek the counsel and wisdom of another of the order,
someone that although young was wise firm and strong of spirit.

The man, who had been watching the young new priest of the blood with
much fascination and interest, spoke unto him.

"Badahur, there is a matter I'd wish to discuss with you. I am not
pleased with the appearance of the child of Nhosal the other day.
Trying to come and change all the things that we have always known,
all that we have always followed trusted and kept as law, what right
does he have to come in here and challenge the ways of his father? To
question the blood. To claim he acts in his stead, yet to do
something so totally against all we know and hold as true?"

"Badahur, I'm going to tell you a story.

Our orders origins can be traced back to ancient Sumeria to a warrior
named Zophial.

Zophial was a great adventurer, and one night, a very long time ago,
he stumbled upon an ancient demonic creature. The creature was
fearsome, but our first father was no coward. He fought the demon,
and valiently so. But being the mortal that he was, the demon
defeated our first father and did so easily.

The demon spared Zophial. When he asked Nhosal what gift he might
give in exchange for the great mercy he had been shown, the demon
asked that the story be told to others, and the worship of Nhosal be
spread throughout the world. He taught some of his secrets to Zophial
in exchange for his complete devotion and the creation of the Order
of Nhosal, which exists unto this day.

The Vampires killed one of the sons of Nhosal, and he has demanded
their blood in atonement. To this day the practice remains of
eliminating all members of the vampire race and unless Nhosal
himself or one of his children stays the hand of one of the
Brotherhood, all vampires are hunted without mercy and killed.

Badahur, few know a secret I am going to share with you right now at
this point in time. My true identity, my name, is Zophial. I was the
first of the brotherhood of Zophial. I served the order for many
years before I was given the right to drink from the blood, and
before I became what I am.

Each one of us has had to prove our strength and worth in battle,
each one of us. Nhosal made it quite clear that this was of prime
importance to him. That honor was of importance to him. Alexander has
shown that he believes, that is one thing. But it does not seem
enough to prove that he is indeed chosen.

I believe the Nhosalite did wrong in trying to change rite of
initiation.

Alexander hasnt proven he is worthy of the blood.......do you concur
with this reasoning?"

Badahur, when the High Priest came, listened to him carefully,
sucking in all the knowledge like a sponge. He looked hard and
serious as he always did, cold in a way, but not distant. He grunted
a few times, acknowledging Zophial's words, but never showing a lot
of emotion. When he learned of his true identity, however, an eyebrow
arched, and he seemed impressed. Then, back to the matter at hand and
he was serious again. His head slowly shook. "I agree with
you...Alexander is not worthy."

"I figured you would see as much. I am concerned that one of the
Nhosalites is trying to usurp his fathers will.......that enrages me
actually....Alexander.....either needs to prove his worth, or he
needs to be replaced by someone who has it....its as simple as
that...."

"I dont think he can....in fact im betting a woman could beat
him....Or even a child...."\

A slow grin spread across his lips. A terrifying grin. "Perhaps we
should test your theory."

"I am betting if he spent even an hour in the room watching simply
how you entertain yourself he would show his cowardice...."

"Find someone anyone that would humiliate him.........and show the
others he does not belong here...." Zophial said

Why should I find someone when I can do it myself?

"Well than by all means, do it yourself...."

Jason Black: He nodded, still grinning.

"He does not know the law yet, it would be startling easy for you
to....catch him do something wrong. Or....better yet, get him to
refuse a challenge.....that is all it would take to count him
unworthy...."

"He may know already nothing inanimate can ever enter the
blood....but getting him to throw a shoe in, less likely than getting
him to act a coward...."

"I am certain enough Nhosal agrees that I would risk his wrath on
this account."

How would he feel about ripping out someone's penis and stuffing it
down their throat?
He laughed a bit. "Im betting he would not do it...."

"Go find out...."

"Give him a chance to suprise me....but im not betting on it."

He nodded to him. "I will go find out. I'll let you know how it
goes." He let out a low chuckle.

Alexander was wandering the halls of the temple. He was not exactly
sure about any of this. So he had a vision of the Blood, and so he
knew what it was and what it was capable of. Somehow, something about
this struck him, wrong. Like it wasnt supposed to happen this way. He
stayed for a long time in the sanctuary watching the blood flow
through the river. One of the others a woman approached him. Zohra,
her name, and said. "You killed one of us while a demon held her for
you....that doesnt count little boy...."

Zohra looked up as she spotted Badahur. "Do you not agree with me, he
is a spineless little worm and not worthy of this...."

Zohra had been a flesheater before she became a Priestess and had
been at this task about as long as Leda.

Alexander looked up from the bench where he was sitting and said. "I
did what I was told. Its not like I know any different you know."

"Sure you know better. What are you, a child?" Badahur looked at
Alexander as he approached the bench.

"What do you two want from me?" Alexander said standing, angry. This
was pissing him off.

"What I'd like is to see you show a little bit of spine or else
someone else show it to you..." Zohra said

I have an idea.

"What...." The edge of Alexanders voice was dark colored with anger.

He looked at Alexander. "Since we pissed you off so badly I'll bet
you'd like to hurt someone wouldn't you?"

"Ya think?" Alexander said in reply.

Excellent. You shouldn't have any trouble, then. Just down the hall
here is someone who did a very bad thing. How about you go in there,
rip off his penis, and stuff it down his throat?

Alexander looked at Badahur and he said something that immediately

pissed of Zohra. "What did he do?"

Zohra slapped him and said. "He broke the law you fucking
idiot....thats all that matters."

Badahur looked at Alex. "Is that refusal to a challenge?"

Alexander looked to him and said. "Is it a challenge?"

He just looked at Alex. "Do you want to be called an idiot once...or
two times in less than a minute?"

Zohra slapped him again. "That was just because your fucking stupid."

Alex began walking down to the room away from Badahur and Zohra. He
pulled out a knife and proceeded to do what he was told almost too
damn easily.

"Now, if its not enough, fucking say so and tell me what you
want....Because I am sick and tired of this shit..."

You bring it upon yourself,

"Im not going spell out to you why I think your not worthy, you will
either show different or you will not." Zohra said storming off and
Alexander stormed off as well in the opposite direction

Badahur et out a low laugh as he watched them both storm off in
different directions. Then he looked at the poor man who was bleeding
to death on tha table before he fondled his testicles...and left the
room.

Leda ran into Badahur. "Ah isn't that just splendid....Zohra agrees
that Alex has about the balls that man does...."

"What are you up to at the moment?"

"Actually that man has rather nice balls." He chuckled.

I challenged Alex, and he met the challenge splendidly. Then he ran
off.

"Oh, well...hes been wandering this place like crazy since he got
here and he stares at the blood for hours. I havent ever seen anyone
that....oh whats the word....Flightly...

"Come here."

He tilted his head, then moved closer to Leda.

Leda moved closer to him, looking at Badahur.

He looked right back at her with unwavering eyes.

"What? Exactly....for crying out loud your as bad as Zohra when you
stare...."

He smiled at her. "You looked at me first."

"I have no idea whats going on in your head...."

You asked me to come closer to you.

She smiled a little bit and said. "Zohra likes you I think."
"What is it about you...." Leda said. She moved back and began to
pace the halls a bit.

The mortal slaves moved out of the way as she apporached. Not wanting
to piss someone off for being in the wrong place at the wrong
time. "One of the hunters came here...."

"They arent supposed to do that....Not without a damn good reason..."

Leda saw the man standing at the end of the hall and she could have
ripping him apart. No one was supposed to figure out the vampire
hunters were enslaved to the priests of the blood

He nodded to her, finally looking away, a small grin on his face as
she spoke about the Hunter.

"Shall I or, would you like to....get that ass aside?" Leda asked

Leda asked

I think I would very much enjoy watching you.

"Well come then...." Leda said. She walked over to the hunter
grabbing him by the throat using agony to bring him to his knees then
dragged him by the hair like he was a doll into one of the torture
chambers.

"Youd better have a damn good explanation for breaking the rules...."
Leda said.

He followed at a liesurely pace, smiling the whole time.

"If you'd give me a moment to explain...." The man said in repose.
He had a hard time stopping the shaking.

"Stop acting like a fucking girl....and tell me what happened before
I make you eat your tongue...." Leda said

He was stuttering and not saying anything useful. "Badahur will you
talk to this idiot please...."

Leda had scared him too much

"Things would go better if you didn't insult yourself in the
process." He chuckled at Leda, then crouched in front of the
man. "Hey...do you like your thoughts?"

I would like this to go as smoothly and as easily as possible, so do
not make a bump in the road higher than you can get over. Understand?

"Yes. Yes sir, I understand, I know the rules...I....I know you dont
need a reason to kill me, I know the law is different for me...."

"Yes, because your in training...." Leda said. "Your our smoke
front, our.....biggest joke, our secret and when you do shit like
this without cause...."

"I saw a Nhosalite...." The man said in reply

Leda looked to him and said. "Ok, I guess that that might be a good
reason...." She did not like that at all

"Yesterday, at the Monastery....he came inside....he looked around,
he talked to our high priest. They had a secret meeting and I heard
Gideon agree to hide it from you, its why I came here...."

"Hes planning an attack the next time you send representatives to the
monastery, a betrayl...."

He thought back on what he had been told, and stayed quiet, just
listening.

"Which one? There are hundreds you idiot...." Leda said.

"The one in Rome....." The man said

"We should speak to Zophial about this...." Leda said.

Zophial came up behind them all and said. "I already heard....."

"I want the monastery purged, none of our mortals in training in the
monastery in Rome aside from this young man are to be spared....I
want to send a very clear message I wont tolerate betrayl...."
Zophial said

"And you....you are not leaving here....." Zophial said to the
man. "You cant now that someone may have seen you enter."

He turned and looked at Zophial. Then he gave him a little smile. "On
another note, Alex passed the challenge."

"Ah did he....interesting...." Zophial said. He passed a hand over
the mortal not doing anything but seeing how most powers were fueled
by touch it usually made people apprehensive. "He will need to be
tortured to ensure that he is not secretly warning us about something
hes involved in. I doubt hes that smart. But, just in case. Also to
keep up appearances to our vampire guests who come in and out of
here."

I can simply read his thoughts and know of any untruths.

"Dont worry, you can survive a lot...." Zophial said to the
mortal. "Thats true....but we still need to keep up appearances,
there were a few guests here earlier....."

"They would expect us to torture him....if we dont that is
suspicious..."

"Uh great...." The mortal said as he looked from Zophial to Leda to
Badahur. "I never get out of a meeting with one of you without it."

He shrugged, indicating that he had no probems with that.

"Well....remember what your training for....." Zophial said. "If you
cant endure some pain, your not worthy for anything but food..."

He grinned a little bit, then leaned in and whispered to
Zophial. "That Priestess, Zohra. I think she likes me."

Zophial whispered back. "So does Leda....your crawling in the female
attention."

"If only they really knew what pleased me." He chuckled as softly as
he had whispered, then stepped away from Zophial and reached out to
grab the human.

He let out a gasp. He knew it was coming, he also knew hed be
expected to act up a bit.

He did it without thinking really. "Fuck..." He felt himself
squirming a bit under the as Badahur grabbed him

Leda smiled a bit and said. "Not that...." She walked out of the room
leaving as Zophial did after glancing to Badahur for a moment

Badahur focused upon his will, and used it to try and project the
emotion of despair within the man's mind so as to stop his
struggling. He didn't give any indication to anyone that he was doing
this, aside from, of course, the man he was holding onto.

The man gave up fighting and looked into Badahur's eyes. He realized
of course earlier this was hopeless, and he didnt really want to
fight anyway but, at the same time, they would be expected to do
something. it was all messed up realy.

"Fine lets go....do whatever your going to do..." The man said.

Badahur, being a psychic vampire, did not like being wounded, even if
the wound was caused by a mortal. And so he would do anything to
prevent that, as he had just done. He gave a nod, and drew the man to
the room..though he wasn't going to torture him. he closed the door
instead. Badahur was a Priest, and he believed in the law as much as
the next person. However, he also had honor. he would not compromise
that.

He looked to Badahur and said. "Fuck...in a way this kind of pisses
me off. Like the payment for doing what Im supposed to do."
He didn't say anything. He just stood there and waited for him to
stop complaing about how this pissed him off.

He stopped complaining and then asked. "Ok....so what...."

He looked around the room at all the tools and utensils. "You really
must have a lot of fun in this room....but its so clean,
everywhere...."

He looked around as well. "It must remain clean in order for me to
work properly. You can't have mold and such growing everywhere, and
contaiminated blood.

"No I suppose you cant...." The man had a seat and looked to Badahur.
Waiting. "Ok....you going to torture me by making me wonder what your
going to do now? If so its working, congratulations....this is
driving me crazy..."

There are more ways to torture someone than you know.

"I see that...." The man said in reply. "Your a psychic vampire. I
would imagine you are very adept at the art of mind-fucking
people...."

Yes, I like to think that I am. But only when they deserve it.

He looked to Badahur and said. 'It was not easy for me to do this. I
grew up with the others at the monastery, they were like family. But
I know what is most important."

"More important? More important than?" He looked to Badahur unsure
what he meant. "I serve the blood. I follow the law. I really
believe...."

Might want to finish that sentence.

He looked at Badahur. "I believe in Nhosal...it is him that I
follow."

The mortal looked to Badahur and said. "You dont question that? You
dont question my honor do you because that will more than just annoy
me."

"I may sit back in silence at some things. But not to that...."

"Its a fine balance, what im expected to do...what I am told to do

That's the way of the world that we live in. And the world we don't
live in. There's always going to be balance.

"And what I wont just sit there and let someone do..." He said in
reply. "And that is something I wont just allow...even if it means I
get hurt.'

Just tell me...is there anything that you left out?

"Nothing...." He said in reply. "Nothing I intentionally did not say.
I may have forgotten but I didnt leave anything out."

He nodded. "Then you won't mind if I have a little peek."

"Go ahead...." He said in reply

He reached out and placed a rough hand over the man's chest, focusing
on his thoughts.

Badahur would see the conversation played out between the same demon
who had decided to try and change the rules for Alexander and the
traitorous Gideon as if he was in the room
<*Begin flashback>

"Everything is going according to plan....Zophial doesnt suspect a
thing, of course your one of Nhosal's sons so they will never expect
you to betray him. Alexander is the perfect tool to use. Confound
them and piss them off, get them quarreling amongst themselves over
the rules. Then you step in and start gathering forces to you, begin
the new faith...."

"Its brilliant I think...." The demon replied to Gideon. "My father
doesnt see it coming, the vampires dont, its absolutely brilliant...."
<*end flashback >

He pulled his hand back from him and nodded. "All right. Stay in
here until you're told otherwise." He got up, nd headed out to fnd
Zophial.

Zophial was pacing the halls, he did not like this at all. He nearly
ran right into Badahur as he did

"Ah that was fast....learn anything helpful?" Zophial asked

He looked at the man, then arched an eyebrow. "Hmm, I like a good
solid man."

"Um interesting, point to note...." Zophial said in reply as he moved
his rock solid perfectly toned muscled body off of Badahur

Chuckling, he folded his arms across his chest and told Zophial
everything that he had learned, the flashback included of course.

"Ah.....well...that confirms my suspicions, that demon who came up
from the River Styx betrayed his father. Alexander....may or may not
be aware he is a pawn in this. "

I think we should find out.

"Of course we should...." Zophial said. "Come...."

He began looking for Alexander and found him sitting by the blood as
he had been for some time.

"We need to have a conversation........and if you have anything to do
with a certain something I have learned, your going go for a
swim...." Zophial said to Alex

"So tell me is that devotion or guilt in those brown eyes of yours."