Draca Saga

By Devon E. E. Sala

Karunel Cynecylnn, a blue elf of eighteen with a secret and Crown Prince, truthful heir to the Draconish throne must take a stand against his tyrannical grandfather while in exile. One day a member of the Norns comes with a warning and Karunel soon finds that there is more at stake then just the Draconis Kingdom itself. With the help of his friends, he sets out to find just what is meant by 'the sands of time are in peril' and finds help in the most unlikely of places.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Devon E. E. Sala
• Release date: Mar 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476182339

Devon E. E. Sala

Devon E.E. Sala hails from a place called England where they live with their two cats.

Book preview

Prologue

"Sigmon Cynecylnn, for the charges of crimes against the people of The Draconis Kingdom, you are hereby an exile of the Kingdom and imprisoned for all of eternity."

The tall thin blue elf just stood and smirked, his hands and feet were chained in place by magical unbreakable chains to make sure escape was entirely impossible. He didn't much care for the verdict as it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that they would have him locked away for good. There was nothing criminal about what he had done, he felt. Then again wasn't that what all of histories bad guys thought? After all, he'd acted well within the law. His law anyway.

Oh don't think I'll be gone forever, Sigmon chuckled. "I'll be back... son, you know I will."

There was a sudden silence from the large public crowd whom had come to witness the trial.

"I have no father," the newly crowned King Aeron Cynecylnn angrily replied. There was a lot of venom in the tone of his voice, he knew he shouldn't be so angry as Sigmon was only biting him.

That only served to make his father chuckle further. I'll be back, he said with some venom. "We always do and when I do come back, it will be... to kill you."

King Aeron glared at him one last time before turning his back on his father for good.

Take him away, he ordered. I never want to see him again.

Once again Sigmon chuckled. Oh I'll be seeing you again... soon, very soon I hope. Would be rather nice you know.

Now the King didn't fall for the bait this time and said nothing as the guards dragged Sigmon away. His fate was to be locked away in the prison of the tívar where Loki himself was unable to break out from. Although Sigmon was not going to be eternally punished the same way Loki was, as Sigmon would die of old age eventually.

Instead King Aeron closed his eyes until he could no longer hear the shouts of his father. Then he was out of his life. Hopefully for good but perhaps fate would eventually say otherwise. To gain his throne, King Aeron had had to overthrow his tyrannical father who had in turn killed his own father, King Alexander to snatch the throne. By doing that, Sigmon had annulled his claim to the throne. But he had killed all possible claimants to the throne save for his own sons and it was they whom had conspired against him to lead a rebellion of the Draconish people that had suffered for ninety-three years under Sigmon's tyranny.

Perhaps his father knew the way fate played out better than he did. Maybe it was nothing more than his father making threats but he did worry about what he had said. Perhaps fate could allow Sigmon to escape, if he did then the king’s fate would be sealed. For now and for the near future at least, he knew that his father would be safely locked away where barring an act of fate he would not escape.

We are bound by fate, it is something we cannot run from. No matter how much we might try. That is a lesson we all must learn this day on.

1

Karunel Cynecylnn was a Prince, heir to the Draconish throne. However he was a heir without a throne and somewhat of a wanderer ever since his father, King Aeron had been overthrown. Overthrown by his tyrannical father whom had somehow managed to escape from his supposedly inescapable prison.

At the relatively young age of just fifteen, Karunel had found himself exiled and orphaned. Not only had his grandfather killed his parents, his older sister was also a victim. As were many Jarl's of the Draconis Kingdom, both male and female and everything in between. Sometimes their families were killed as well. Some of those who weren't killed and became cowards to swear allegiance to Sigmon Cynecylnn, were instead forced to escape into exile while some whom were very brave stayed and stood against him. Those were the more powerful Jarl's, ones whom Sigmon couldn't touch, at least not for now anyway.

Like his father and grandfather, Karunel was a Draconish blue elf. Both his hair, save for a red fringe courtesy of his mother, and his skin were blue. As were his eyes. The Draconish blue elf was in fact the rarest of the known Draconish elves. There were others he knew of but as they were his closest relatives and he knew they had probably been killed by Sigmon. He'd had no contact with anyone from his fathers side, while he feared the worst there was hope. He strongly hoped that they had found exile somewhere like he had in the Draconish colonies.

But right now he wasn't in the colonies, Karunel had instead sneaked out to the Kingdom with a few friends. He now sat crouched upon the roof of a building, a government building in fact, hiding in the shadows waiting for one of Sigmon's supporters. Problem was, there were so many guards around as well and they were almost certainly going to be trouble.

Karunel held his finger to his right ear. You see the guards Sal?

Yeah, I see them.

He looked across the street to where he knew his friend, Salazar Bräck was stood watching the building.

You and the others take them out, I'll go after Gunnvinr.

No protest. Karunel leaned over the side of the building and looked down. He didn't have to worry about security camera's or the like as they had been dealt with already. No electronics could escape Namus Silvercelt's talents. It seemed that Gunnvinr was preparing to leave as the guards looked to be standing to attention.

Quickly Karunel checked his sword. Ready to take out and use. Then he checked the twin daggers just in case he were to lose his sword somehow. Both were there and were within easy reach should the need come.

He's coming out, Karunel.

Right Sal, you and Zað deal with the guards, the Prince then said, inching ever closer to the edge of the room. He could easily be mistaken for a statue. Just as soon as I drop behind Gunnvinr, you guys start shooting.

Got it, came Salazar's reply.

His friends were well hidden across the street.

Karunel looked down as a large car pulled up and the guards stood to attention. A small well-rounded man walked out from the build. Gunnvinr. Putting a pair of sunglasses on, Karunel stood up and jumped off the building.

The first Gunnvinr or the guards heard of him was the Princes clothes flapping in the wind before he landed behind them. Two bodyguards on either side of the man were quickly shot.

Shoot them! Gunnvinr yelled.

Before the guards could react to his orders they were gunned down first. Gunnvinr was alone and no one was going to come to his aid.

What is the meaning of this? he demanded.

You, Karunel began, a grin crossing his face as Gunnvinr turned to face him.

You? He was surprised to find himself face to face with the true heir to the throne.

Hmm, recognise me huh? the Prince smirked. You know full well the meaning of this...

Gunnvinr took a step back.

"You've betrayed the Draconish people, Jarl, Karunel said taking a step closer. In your greed you have taken their money and starved them, all because you aim to put yourself in Sigmon's favour..."

We do what we have to...

Not for your own greed you don't, Karunel said as he didn't accept that and in one swift move he plunged his sword into Gunnvinr's chest. This is from the Draconish people, Gunnvinr.

The small man looked at him in shock, surprised that the Prince actually did it before slumping to the ground. Blood appearing at the corners of his mouth.

Huh... you're no Robin Hood... The last words that came out of Gunnvinr's mouth.

Karunel looked down at the man as his last breath wheezed out from between his lips.

I'm not a legend, he said under his breath. One day I will be one though, you can bet on that. Everyone will remember my name.

Karunel stepped away from the body and sighed.

Well that was anti-climatic... A black-haired teen groaned.

Salazar was the same age as Karunel, but he was human rather than elven. Elves did age at the same rate as humans until their late teens or early twenties, then they would start looking younger then a human the same age.

Behind him came another of Karunel's friends, another human by the name of Zaðar Nosfveiðr. Like his family trait he had silver hair, a curse placed upon the Nosfveiðr family so that vampires may recognise them as vampire hunters.

A bit too easy to kill wasn't he? Zaðar yawned.

He believed he was invincible, Karunel shrugged. That's always their downfall in the end.

Same as Sigmon will, Salazar remarked.

Karunel briefly glanced at him before moving away. You can hear the sirens coming, we better get the fuck out of here.

A car pulled up beside them with Namus behind the wheel, his bright yellow hair looking darker with sweat. As soon as the trio had piled in he quickly drove away.

Just leaving the body again? Namus asked.

Karunel climbed over the seat and took the front passenger seat. As with all Draconish cars, it was right-hand drive.

And do what with it instead? the blue elf pointed out.

Point taken, his friend replied. Gets the other cowards worried too, right?

Karunel just nodded as he tapped into the police frequency. The call out to their attack had come pretty quickly, no doubt because it was a Jarl close to, or rather trying to be close to Sigmon.

Got away just in time, Namus mentioned. Going to get caught sooner or later if you keep cutting it close.

Heh..... The Prince just laughed the thought off.

Namus just shook his head as they rounded a corner and headed for the motorway.

Death wish right? Zaðar grinned.

You Nosfveiðr all know about death wishes, the Prince was quick to remark. All those death threats from vampires and all.

Yeah, yeah... don't care, the silver-haired vampire hunter grinned.

Karunel rolled his eyes.

That'll get you killed Zað, Namus remarked.

Stop talking to my father Nam!

Namus just laughed as he flung the car around a corner. You know he checks up on you at the academy because you're always avoiding your sister...

I train harder then she does, he was quick to protest. He doesn't have to check up on me.

Karunel knew just how he felt about parents checking up on him. His own parents always used to do the same. How he missed that now. Of course being heir to the throne they had wanted him to be the best that he could be. And he was in his mind, he just struggled to prove that after what had happened.

He'll never agree Zað, Salazar pointed out. Be thankful he cares about you.

Zaðar nodded. He realised exactly what Salazar was getting at.

Salazar had left home because his parents didn't like him being around Karunel and now they didn't even talk to him. He didn't mind too much, it was his life and he could do what he wished with it.

Be very thankful, Karunel sighed and sat back. So what's on the agenda for the rest of the night?

They all looked over at Zaðar.

What? he asked knowing that they were thinking he would say to hunt vampires as usual. Gladiators are fighting tonight...

Too public for me, I'm a blue elf remember, the Prince pointed out. I'll be recognised faster than Asisikvdili can kill an opponent.

His friends laughed because Asisikvdili was a Gladiator known for crushing his opponents to death within seconds. But truth was, Karunel being recognised was no laughing matter. He couldn't afford to be caught, yet he did still pull stunts like the assassination of Gunnvnir.

Good point, Salazar agreed. You need a disguise.

I know just where to get one at this time, Zaðar mentioned. Take a left here.

Who? Karunel questioned his friend.

Groa.

Groa? Karunel recalled the name.

Yes, Groa, Zaðar repeated. So you won't want to distract her or you'll get something stuck in your head.

Karunel remembered the story of what happened to Thor when he distracted her while removing a piece of Hrungnir's whetstone that had become lodged in his skull after Thor had killed the Giant.

Well I'm convinced...

Or you could just go back to my fathers mansion and have another boring night in, Zaðar told him.

Well no...

Zaðar took that as a sign to carry on with his idea. Just this way, he said.

Namus rolled his eyes fully expecting something else to happen tonight. There was never a dull moment with this lot around, not that he would ever complain about it mind.

This is it, Zaðar mentioned as they parked outside a dark and foreboding park somewhere deep in the city.

It seemed like something out of a horror film, but maybe that was just because it was night and under Sigmon Cynecylnn's influence, the city had become dirty and polluted. That just wasn't the Draconish way.

Getting out of the car, Karunel looked around. Creepy, he remarked.

Stereotypical of a witches location, Zaðar grinned. Not really far from the truth in the end eh?

Karunel shrugged, it was sending a shiver up his spin.

Not scared are you? Zaðar mocked.

Me, scared? Never.

The others laughed at the Princes apparent nervousness.

Well there are werewolves in the park but it's not full moon so you're safe, Zaðar then joked.

Karunel glanced at him before rolling his eyes. He said nothing and entered the park.

This way, Rune, Zaðar mentioned, using the Princes nickname.

They found themselves wandering down an overgrown path with brambles on either side that barely left them any room to walk even just single-file. It was clearly obvious that people didn't often come this way.

Oh definitely a stereotype, Karunel muttered to himself as they continued to walk further into the overgrown park. I'm just waiting to be attacked by a pack of rabid zombies.

Witch, not necromancer, Zaðar reminded him.

Karunel just shrugged.

You shall not find the necromancer type here, a voice told them.

But they couldn't see who the voice belonged to, nor could they see any sign of life either.

That's just creepy, Karunel remarked.

You walk on witches land, the voice mentioned.

Yes Groa, we're in need of your help, Zaðar said, his eyes searching for any sign of the witch.

Oh? Interesting.

Karunel here needs a disguise, Zaðar told her.

A disguise indeed, I can make him look human, she mentioned. Or another elf, want people to fear you? I can do dark elf...

No, Karunel was quick to shake his head.

Alas that would have had even Sigmon quaking in his shoes...

Karunel highly doubted that.

So human, yes?

The Prince just shrugged, he wasn't too bothered about looks just as long as he didn't look like a blue elf.

Heh, never bloody able to make your mind up eh Karunel? Zaðar said in a mocking tone.

Bite my elven blue arse.

Is your mind made up young Prince? Groa demanded.

Yes, Karunel nodded, still looking around for any sign of the witch.

Just nothing, no sign of even a building in the overgrown park. Surely there was a Park Keepers cottage somewhere.

A bolt of green light shot out from the trees and hit Karunel sending him flying backwards.

She's also rather unpredictable, Zaðar grinned evilly.

Fuck you, the Prince groaned. You should have warned me before!

Karunel sat up and rubbed his eyes as he regained his bearings.

Whoa! Salazar said almost choking in surprise.

Karunel looked at his hands, they were a pale peachy colour, his skin was now just like that of a human rather than a Draconish blue elf. His hair was now black as well as his usual dark blue might also gather unwanted attention.

Shit...

Ha! You could pose as Eam's big bro, Zaðar laughed.

Bite my pale human-looking arse, the Prince was quick to reply.

She's gone, we should go too, Zaðar mentioned and began to walk back the way they had come.

Karunel was still looking at his hands. It still seemed incredibly weird to see his skin that colour.

Exonia to Karunel, Salazar laughed, patting his friend on the back to break him out of his trance.

Yeah, let's go, the Prince agreed.

By the time they reached the stadium, the first fights were well under way. Karunel found himself annoyed at missing the start but the main attraction, Asisikvdili, had yet to make an appearance.

Check your weapons in here, the woman behind the ticket office said.

Zaðar coughed and passed something to her. She took one look at the item and then at Zaðar, giving him a shrug. They finally entered the stadium and found it quite full. It was the first time that Karunel had been to a gladiator fight since Sigmon took over and it was his first time ever in amongst the paying public rather than watching from the royal box.

Karunel's eyes looked up toward the royal box. It was empty as Sigmon just didn't do public appearances like this. Which Karunel was somewhat glad about.

The fight that had been taking place came to and end when the sword of one gladiator pierced the chest of his rival amongst a huge cheer from the crowd. Karunel couldn't find the cheer in him but applauded the victor anyway.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for, the announcer announced over the PA. The undefeated Asisikvdili!

More cheers.

Got in just in time, Salazar remarked, almost sounding rather relieved.

A large man, almost giant-like, in heavy but rusted armour stepped out onto the field amongst the loudest cheers that Karunel had heard in a long time. It was something that made him a little happier to hear.

As it went, Asiskvdili's fight really didn't last look. His unfortunate opponent proved to be no match for his strength. Within moments his sword was broken and his skull crushed against the ground.

That still drew a large cheer from the crowd. Both Salazar and Zaðar were really getting into it but Karunel still feared being caught. He spent most of the time looking around for suspicious people, unfortunately there were a lot of suspicious looking people around. One of whom was staring at him.

He quickly looked away. I think I've been recognised, he quietly whispered to Namus.

Huh?

Bearded man with the detectives hat by the exit.

Namus looked over.

Don't look, Karunel told him.

Don't look what? Salazar asked.

Crap he's coming over, the Prince realised. I'm doomed...

This way, Namus said and grabbed the Prince's arm.

Before Karunel could even protest, he found himself dragged away towards another exit. He was worried that there might be more of them waiting for him. Other than his grandfathers goons he really didn't know who they could be.

What the fuck are you two on about? Zaðar asked as they followed them into the other exit.

Namus looked at Karunel.

One of my grandfathers goons, the Prince explained.

Really not a good thing. Karunel certainly couldn't afford to be caught be his grandfather again. It wouldn't be as easy to escape next time. If there was a next time, Karunel certainly wasn't going to let that happen.

Shit, Salazar sighed. That's not good... are they following us?

Zaðar shook his head. I can't feel anyone following us, guess that's a sign for us to leave.

Karunel's heart was beating fast. This was always one of those things everyone had warned him about, not to do anything that could put himself in danger. It was always a risk coming back to the capital while he was meant to be hiding in exile. He just wasn't the stay at home type and it often got him into trouble.

I'll get the car, Salazar mentioned and ran off.

Within moments he had returned with the car and they got in.

Well so much for watching a good gladiatorial fight, the Prince sighed.

You're too wanted, Zaðar remarked.

Tell me about it...

Back to the mansion? Salazar asked.

Karunel just nodded and noticed his skin was turning blue again.

Guess the disguise knows it isn't needed any more, Zaðar noted. She's good.

But Karunel didn't think so. He didn't want to ever see her again, her disguise had actually failed in his eyes. He would be at ease just staying away from anywhere that he might be recognised by the wrong people. Back at the colonies would suit him just fine.

2

It was Tortuga DK that was where he now called home. It wasn't quite what he was used to but it was comfortable and a lot better than some of the places he'd had to hide out in the immediate aftermath of his grandfather seizing the throne. Also on the plus side was the fact that he still had friends and relatives there with him and most of all he had Makoto Roiyarutomo, his fiancé there with him. The two had known each other since they were toddlers, for as long as they could remember. They had been through a lot together; Makoto had always been there for him, through thick and thin. That had only strengthened the love between them and so Karunel had proposed. It may have only been a spur of the moment thing at the time but they would marry once Karunel could defeat his grandfather and take the throne. In his mind, Karunel was always planning a lavish wedding. One to be spoken of for years to come. Whether or not it would ever happen was something he didn't know.

Tortuga DK itself was a colony of around fifty thousand people. The majority of residents were researchers and their families. Others moved there however simply because it was a beautiful place to live. On three sides, the colony was surrounded by lush jungle. On the fourth was the sea and a port that was regularly used by ships is different kinds. The buildings that made up Tortuga DK were space well apart giving the residents plenty of their own space to live in. up from the port was uphill and led to the main square where the shops were and where people could meet up and attend gatherings. Karunel himself rarely went there. It wasn't as if it would be all that dangerous for him to do so, he just preferred the relative peace and quiet of the governor’s palace.

In these turbulent times under the tyranny of Sigmon Cynecylnn, the people of Tortuga DK looked up to him now more than ever. It was his duty to act as a figurehead for them, a duty he did with some reluctance admittedly.

It was night out and so the moon shone down over the colony. Karunel was looking out at the colony from a bedroom window. He was so lost in the beauty of the moonlit night that he had failed to notice Makoto enter the bedroom that they were sharing. It was only when his fiancé wrapped his arms around his waist that the Prince realised he was there. The Prince was quickly brought out of his moon induced daze.

A beautiful moon tonight I see, Makoto mentioned. I can see why it has mesmerised you.

Sorry, the Prince apologised, thinking he should do so for not having noticed his presence. I have just been thinking about things.

Your grandfather? his fiancé was quick to ask.

Karunel nodded, he couldn't really find the words to say how he was really feeling. Of course Makoto would know just how he felt, he had a knack for it.

You'll defeat him, the Norn’s told you that themselves, the blond teen then told him.

And if you believe that you'll believe anything, the young Prince said in reply.

Makoto seemed to hold him tighter. Well you have to believe in hope otherwise you can only fade into despair and that'll leave you dead inside. I couldn't bare that happening to you, Karunel.

Karunel looked up at the moon; it was partially hidden by a cloud as he began to think about what Makoto had just told him. Sometimes he did feel dead inside. It was a feeling he'd have from time to time and maybe he was already slipping into despair. He put it down to himself remembering his parents. Everything around him reminded the Prince of them in some way. Also, he was reminded of others that his grandfather Sigmon Cynecylnn had killed. There were countless and mostly they were anonymous, he would never know their names or faces. That actually troubled the Prince, the thought of all those who were yet to die by Sigmon's orders. It would happen and he knew that for now there was nothing that he could do about it. That was the fault of the Norn’s, they who wove his destiny and were preventing him from defeating his grandfather. He detested them for that very fact. His anger toward them was fierce and they knew that only too well, they used it to taunt him from time to time.

Breakfast? Makoto suggested. It is only just gone five in the morning and I doubt that you are going to find it easy to fall asleep again now.

Makoto didn't have to suggest it twice as Karunel was quick to agree and the pair headed down to the dining hall. There they soon found that they would not be alone for breakfast. Already sat at one table were a boy and girl, Eamonn Jarlath and his cousin Morgan. Both had black hair.

The pair looked up and smiled as they walked over.

Up already? Eamonn remarked with a sly grin. That's so unlike you Rune.

Karunel narrowed his eyes at the boy. Who wouldn't prefer a nice long lie in?

He just can't sleep right now, Makoto explained to them.

Morgan nodded. We know the feeling, she said. There is something bad in the air.

Oh don't be such a scaremonger, Morg, Eamonn complained, shaking his head at her. Everything's fine...

No, I feel it too, Makoto agreed, cutting short the young boys sentence.

Morgan stuck her tongue out at her cousin. His only reply was a roll of the eyes.

"If Makoto can feel something bad then there is something bad in the air, Karunel then mentioned as he and his fiancé finally took their seats. We're screwed."

A large plate of pancakes appeared on the table in front of the Prince. Makoto on the other hand had opted for a simple tomato and mushroom omelette. Considering the huge pile of pancakes on his plate, it was a wonder that Karunel never gained massive amounts of weight. Especially considering his eating habits. Then again who had ever seen a fat elf? That was the young Princes secret to his slim frame yet having his all you can eat mentality. Something a lot of humans would kill to have.

Karunel stabbed the pancakes with a fork. Upon that he decided to put some syrup on it, one made from the finest maple that Tortuga DK had to offer before he began eating.

He's eating properly, he must be sick, Eamonn joked.

Karunel held up his hand and showed him the v-sign, often called the two finger salute by the Draconish people. It was a way of showing ones displeasure towards another in a somewhat insulting manner.

So what do you think it is? Morgan then asked Makoto, quickly ignoring her cousin and the Prince.

I wouldn't know I'm afraid, Makoto admitted. I can only feel the same as you do.

Morgan put one hand behind her head as she drank what looked to be orange juice but here in the Draconish colonies it could be almost anything.

Well whatever it is, it's not good and I hope it stays away. Don't want any trouble here now do we?

With my luck it's coming here, Karunel groaned, it sounded muffled by the fact his mouth was full of pancakes as he spoke. Quickly he swallowed and carried on. "It, whatever the fuck it is, is after me I bet."

Life does not revolve around you completely Karunel, Morgan then said much to his annoyance. It could be anything.

That's true Morgan, Makoto agreed. A necromancer, pirates or even a gang of vampire’s maybe?

A necromancer in this colony? Doubt it, Morgan replied.

Her cousin had grown tired of the conversation and decided to leave them to it and perhaps find himself something more interesting to do. The young girl watched as he left the dining hall.

Well, guess Eam's bored again, she remarked sounding rather bored herself.

About as likely as vampires, the necromancers I mean, not Eamonn's attention span, Karunel remarked, his mouth once again full of pancake.

For a Prince and true heir to the throne, his table manners were very poor.

Not with Zaðar here anyway, they'll be running scared more than anything.

Morgan raised her eyes at the mention of that name. Zaðar's here? I haven't seen him.

Karunel smirked. Because he arrived last night Morg rather then when I returned. He’s probably zonked out right now, he told her, tapping his fork against the plate.

The tapping was almost enough to drive anyone insane.

Morgan sat back and eyed him suspiciously. Why is he here already then? she questioned the Prince. The academy doesn't start again for ages.

He always does that, Karunel remarked with a shrug of the shoulders.

Oh? Morgan said. Not arguing with his parents again is he?

The Prince shook his head. Nah, he came on his cousin’s ship again, he told her and began shovelling his pancakes into his mouth once again.

Rag's here? Morgan's eyes brightened at the thought.

Unknown to the others, she had a crush on Rag Nosfveiðr. He was very good-looking, older and had silver hair.

The Nosfveiðr's were known throughout the Kingdom as vampire hunters. Rag on the other hand had upset his family by announcing that he wasn't going to continue being a vampire hunter and had instead took a job on board the ship known as The Alchemist. His family promptly disowned him for it, but Zaðar, much to the disappointment of his parents, still talked to his cousin and quite often met up with him.

I think he’s already left again, Karunel mentioned.

Morgan looked rather down by that fact and Makoto being Makoto actually picked up on her emotions there, but would keep quiet about it. He wasn't one to gossip about the emotions of others.

So why do you think that’s something bad is going to happen? Karunel then questioned his fiancé.

Makoto just shook his head. What I feel doesn't feel as if it is certain to happen, he explained. It just feels like there is just something bad out there, something bad just hanging around uncertain of what to do.

Karunel scratched his head. That just sounded rather strange. Right, he said in a slight muttering voice.

The young Prince didn't like the idea of something bad hovering around thinking about causing trouble or not. It reminded him too much of what had happened at his sixteenth birthday party. It was in this very place, the governors palace, that it had taken place. That it had happened during an important day for him, especially that it was of an important age to a Draconian had always angered him. An attack on the governors palace and the colony was yet still fresh in his mind, but the perpetrator's real identity had never been known. She only went by the name Lady Heolstor and that was almost certainly an alias.

Lady Heolstor troubles you once again? Makoto asked, noticing the troubled look on the blue elf's face.

Karunel sighed, of course his fiancé would notice.

We defeated her, destroyed her ship and it's not possible for her to come back... right? he said. They only come back in stories.

Makoto gave the Prince a reassuring smile.

Of course Lady Heolstor is dead, he said assuringly. She is most certainly dead, Karunel.

Karunel wasn’t too sure about it. He sat back in the chair and absent mindedly tapped his fork against the plate. Sure he had seen her ship destroyed but she could have survived it. Unlikely as it was.

I’m certain she’ll never come back, Morgan assured him. She got blown to pieces so it’s impossible for her to come back realistically.

We never saw a body, or rather any bodies from any of her crew for that matter, Makoto did point out. I guess it’s entirely conceivable that she may have escaped death.

Over my dead fucking body she escaped, Karunel suddenly growled with a lot of venom and slammed his fist against the table. She is dead, there is nothing more to say about it.

Morgan and Makoto briefly looked at each other, they both knew just how much Lady Heolstor's attack had bothered the Prince. The outburst was therefore understandable. The young black-haired girl did truly understand how he felt about her since she had been there at the attack herself. She had even done her own little part in fighting off Lady Heolstor's forces. During the attack everyone in the colony, young and old, did their part in defending the colony.

Well, her being dead is much easier for us, Morgan then said, breaking the uneasy silence that had formed. We shouldn't have to worry about her.

Karunel knew what she meant. He felt that Lady Heolstor was most certainly dead and that there was no way that she was ever coming back. That never stopped the Prince worrying about it however. Perhaps he should be worrying more about his grandfather.

Now if only my grandfather was dead, the Prince remarked.

Morgan nodded, she could easily understand that thought.

Would be simpler wouldn't it, she agreed.

But life itself is not simple, Makoto told them. That is why it is always a fighting struggle, maybe more for one person than it is for another but the fighting struggle is there.

A blood splattered wooden stake then clattered down on the table in front of the trio.

Rumour was correct, a voice told them. "There was a vampire hiding out in the colony looking for prey."

Karunel looked up. And there I was thinking you'd buggered off to bed.

Stood behind the Prince was a teenager a little younger then he was. His most striking feature was of course his long silver hair. The teen-aged vampire hunter then took a seat next to the Prince. Zaðar was rather sweaty and his silver hair was damp giving it a rather darker look than usual. Running a hand through his hair he looked at the Prince.

Did you have to leave your stake on the table like that? Morgan scolded him. It's disgusting and unhygienic.

Zaðar just grinned at her as he picked it up again. Wasn't going to leave it there, Morgan...

The black-haired girl just scowled at him.

So the vampires finally came out here then? the Prince questioned.

Just the one, Zaðar replied as a cold drink appeared on the table in front of him. Exactly what he needed in order to wind down from the vampire hunt.

I hope it's not the start of a vampire infestation into the colony, Makoto then said, not something he'd want to hear about.

Karunel thought about that and was reminded of what Makoto and Morgan had just been talking about.

Maybe that was the bad feeling you had? he wondered.

That quickly caught Zaðar's attention.

Is there something I should tell my family?

Makoto shook his head, it was nothing. No it is just that I had one of those bad feelings, completely unrelated to vampires, he explained. Like something was going to happen.

The silver-haired vampire hunter smirked at him.

Though even a single vampire may present to you said bad feeling, he remarked. But then again, said vampire has exploded into dust and is now more. Good thing to, it was a Béstowponya vampire too.

The others just gave him a questioning glance.

Intelligence of a zombie but the speed of an athlete, fast, nasty and pretty dumb. Particularly messy little bastards when feeding too, basically the victim is torn apart.

Morgan gave him a disgusted look.

Would explain why you're sweaty and a mess, Karunel remarked.

Zaðar picked up the glass and took a sip.

Of course there could always be more that I haven't seen.

More? Morgan gulped.

Her worry came from the fact that she had known one of her neighbours to have been killed by a vampire. Since then vampires and especially the possibility of them being around always made her rather nervous.

Maybe... maybe not, Zaðar shrugged.

Morgan groaned.

That's not nice Zaðar, Makoto scolded him before turning to the young girl. Morgan, I am sure there are no more vampire's around the colony. It was probably a one off.

Zaðar finally placed his wooden stake, made from oak in fact, back into his pocket and looked up at the nearby clock.

Well at least the sun will be coming up just about now, he then said. Any vampire's in the colony would be returning to their hiding place. Had it been a vampire other than a Béstowponya, I'd have been able to follow it to it's nest.

Why can't they stand the sunlight? Morgan suddenly asked.

It was an age old question that she had been thinking about. There was never any written source that mentioned why exactly it was but she thought that maybe a vampire hunter knew the answer. Both Karunel and Makoto wondered the same.

Fuck knows, Zaðar shrugged. No one's ever been able to work that out.

Truth was no one had even bothered. At least not in the Nosfveiðr family anyway.

It is a curse the tívar placed upon them, Karunel mentioned. Easy explanation.

Always the tívar right? Zaðar remarked, giving his friend a questioning glance.

Well you haven't exactly come up with a worthwhile suggestion, the Prince shot back. The Aesir and Vanir are always doing things like that, they love to throw their magical abilities around like that.

The room was then rocked by something nearby hitting the ground with a loud thud. Standing in the doorway was a large bearded man dressed in a well used warriors outfit.

Thor! Karunel yelled.

The tívar picked up Mjolnir, his war-hammer and walked over to the table.

Nothing to do with us, Thor mentioned. The first vampire just got on the wrong side of The Norns.

Figures, Karunel remarked with a sigh. So what exactly was it that he did to annoy them that much?

She, Thor corrected. Thor not know what she do, Thor prefer to stay out of Norn business. Much safer for Thor.

That's useful, Morgan remarked.

Thor made a face at her but she just ignored it. She didn't care much for his usual low level of maturity. Quite often it was worse than that of the Princes.

She was called Heolstor, came the voice of Zaðar's younger sister Kethoro. You should remember that Zaðar... well you would if you weren't so stupid.

Karunel's eyes widened at the mention of the first vampires name. It was the first time he could recall hearing it.

She's called Heolstor? he asked. You mean she was the one to attack Tortuga that time?

He was really struggling to try and avoid yelling at them for not telling him that. It would do no good to.

But Kethoro just shook her head. No, she didn't as she is not Lady Heolstor, she explained. Heolstor, the first vampire is believed to have been killed by vampire hunters centuries ago.

By your ancestors? Morgan asked.

Kethoro shook her head. No this was before our family became vampire hunters. The name of the family thought to have done the deed has long since been lost to history. Probably all killed off by the vampires they hunted.

That was a rather worrying thing, the Prince thought to himself. The possibility of a whole vampire hunting family being wiped out by vampires themselves was just unbelievable. He hoped that the Nosfveiðr's would never suffer that same fate. Perhaps they already knew what had been that families downfall and worked to avoiding it themselves.

The thing about the Nosfveiðr family was that Karunel's own parents had warned him against Zaðar and his family when they'd started pre-academy together. They hadn't liked the Nosfveiðr family because of their vampire hunting background and the general danger that surrounded them. But Karunel being Karunel had completely ignored his families wishes and didn't listen to their warnings. On their first day at the academy, he spoke to Zaðar and they soon became friends like only six year old's would. Even after that his parents would warn him against being friends with Zaðar and that the Nosfveiðr's were trouble but he'd never listen. They eventually gave up as he grew older and more independent.

Ever since his parents were killed by Sigmon, he had begun regretting not always listening to them. There wasn't really much he could do about that other then avoid letting the guilt get to him. Still becoming friends with Zaðar had helped him a lot in the years that followed. Especially now under Sigmon's tyrannical rule and he believed his parents would have certainly understood that.

Tortuga to Karunel, come in Karunel, Zaðar said, clicking his fingers.

That brought the Prince out of his thinking induced daze and he looked toward Zaðar.

I was just thinking of something, he said, looking a little glum.

Oh? the silver-haired vampire hunter said.

As he was about to continue and ask a question, he noticed a look on Makoto's face and decided not to.

Thinking of his parent's, Makoto said, reading the emotion upon the young Princes face.

Karunel just nodded, he really didn't want to talk about it right now. The others knew not to pressure him into talking about his family when he didn't want to. They always respected his wishes when it came to that.

Why are you here anyway, Keth? the Prince suddenly asked. I'd have thought you'd have still been in Exonia.

Kethoro just shrugged her shoulders at him.

Why shouldn't I come here? she mentioned. After all someone has to keep an eye on Zaðar and keep him out of trouble.

Her brother folded his arms and scowled at her. Anger flaring up in his eyes.

I do not need a babysitter, he protested.

Course you do, brother, she said in reply. We can never trust you to not get into trouble of any kind.

Bite me, Zaðar told her.

It was the only reply that he could thing of.

Karunel suddenly stood up. If you'll excuse me, I am going outside, he then said and left the room, taking a cup of coffee with him.

Thor think we upset him, the tívar thought.

Kethoro just shrugged, it wasn't her problem she felt.

He's been uneasy since that guy spotted him at the stadium even though he'd been in disguise, Zaðar explained. That really unnerved him.

Thor gave him a stern glance. Thor would advise not going to Groa again.

The vampire hunter was almost surprised that he'd known where they had gotten Karunel's disguise from. Then again, he probably should have easily been able to.

She not one to trust.

Wait you think she made it so that someone would recognise him? Zaðar wondered.

Thor shrugged his shoulders and decided to leave.

You two are such careless idiots, Kethoro scolded her brother. I'm always surprised you're both still alive.

Zaðar rolled his eyes and decided to go for a shower rather than listen to his sister continue to make remarks about him.

As the sun rose over Tortuga bay, Karunel looked out toward the bay. As always, he found it to be a beautiful sight. The sea reflected the orange of the sun as it shone directly across the water. From the governors palace, the buildings looked dark as though they were nothing but shadows. The nearby jungle was rife with the sound of birds singing to the new day, filling the air with a freshness that only dawn could bring.

He felt very much at home in Tortuga DK, it was a place safe for him away from the threat of his grandfather. Only Lady Heolstor's attack had made it of any danger, the pirates that often frequented the colony were of no threat to him or the colony at large. Though there were those pirates that attacked innocents, there were many more who only attacked ships belonging to Sigmon or his allies.

Karunel felt an arm wrap around him. He knew instantly that it was Makoto. It was pretty obvious that his fiancé would not allow him to be out there alone for too long, he would always present the Prince with his warm company.

It's still rather cold out here, Makoto stated.

It'll warm up, was the only thing that Karunel could think to say.

Of course, Makoto said with a smile. We are on the outskirts of a jungle after all.

Karunel said nothing.

And it is a beautiful sight, the young blond then said.

Karunel just nodded.

"Although there are pirates here it is still very peaceful. The people here are fantastic and they look to you for leadership and to guarantee their safety."

Karunel knew that the residents of Tortuga DK, at least most of them anyway, already treated him as though he were King already. Of course they'd look to him for leadership, he was the rightful claimant to the throne after all. He would be, or should be King just as soon as his fate would allow. Just seemed that until then the Norns had other plans for him.

The Norns are worrying you again, Karunel? Makoto asked.

Karunel nodded. As always, he admitted. Why must they always torture me like this, why can't they torture my grandfather instead.

Makoto knew just how the young Prince felt.

But even Thor himself does not understand the will of the Norns, even his fate is woven by the mysterious trio, he said.

He knew it wouldn't really reassure the Prince but then, what else could he do?

If only they could be removed, Karunel scowled, his eyes had become cold and rather distant.

Then chaos will only reign, Makoto warned. With no one controlling destiny and the fate of the universe only chaos could happen.

Karunel rolled his eyes.

If the Norns were to cease to exist and no one were there to take over from them then all life would die out, his fiancé