Vampire Island: and the Battle for Malikperse

By Keith Armstrong

'From the mind of a fresh new author, comes new life to the vampire legend. In a tale cross between Interview with the vampire and Game of Thrones, comes this new vampire saga. Full of vampires, werewolves, giants, elves, dwarves and even a foul mouthed pixie. This story is about a hidden world set away for the world of motals. While the supernatural people within try to live in peace, War is looming. – Welcome to Malikperse.'

A strange ship docks in the supernatural world of Malikperse. With it the sun dies and the moon rises full and bright. Werewolves lead the attack followed by Hades and his army of followers. Everyone must come together to protect Vampire Island and their world from the forces of Hell. Wolfmen, Witches, Vampires and even Lucifer himself join in the fight against Hades.
But for Hades, all that matters is to kill the man that turned his back on him. The man created before Adam, Banished to the underworld by God. Tortured and then betrayed by another. The mortal made vampire. First of his kind, the most feared in all the underworld. Returns to the mortal world in search of revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716330827

Book preview

1: The Outsiders.

During the summer of the year of our lord 1794, a fierce fire raged through the warehouse district of the capital. The dry weather helped aid the fire to destroy around seven hundred homes along the waterfront. The fire was not as great as the great fire of London in 1666, but fierce nonetheless. Around this time, England had been at war with France for just over a year. It was not the wish of the British to go to war with France, or have any part of their French Revolution. Britain did try to stay out of it. With French troops Occupying Belgium and putting a threat on trade, England had no choice but to enter into the war.

England had allied themselves with Spain, Austria, Prussia, and the Netherlands and helped fund them all with the war effort. However, only England and Austria took it to the French to try to overpower them. If all British and allied forces had struck France, then the war would have ended a lot sooner. Unable to organise a good strategy, Spain, Prussia and the Netherlands used their British funding, putting it into their own economy rather than using it for military gain. With that, they didn’t do much within the war. This put a huge strain on the British economy and also on their allied forces. After all, the Netherlands, Spain, Prussia and Austria weren’t allies with England just out of the goodness of their hearts.

The Royal Navy used this time of war to increase the size of its fleet. Adding a lot more ships to use in times of need. Being able to patrol both the North Sea and the English Channel was important.

On this day, everything was quiet. The sea around England’s east coast was calm, and the sky was as clear as it has ever been. The sun beat down and warmed the deck of the new ship that sailed that day. Wind filled the sails, as the ship headed north, on this open wilderness of nothing but water. 

The captain had orders to take this newly built ship and sail from London. Head north up the North Sea, toward the Norwegian Sea. Sail around the Island of Jan Mayen and head southwest towards Iceland. After reaching the North Atlantic, head towards Ireland and the English Channel. 

The ship was a masterpiece, the first of its kind and pride of British craftsmanship. This was the largest ship to ever set sail. Towering the likes of HMS Victory, this galleon class of ship was truly huge. Lightly stained reinforced wood, polished decks, four large masts towering up into the sky. With the two middle ones, stretching a little taller. This, four hundred and sixty-six feet long, seventy-four foot wide and eighty-four-foot high, floating palace, with six decks, was the work of great engineering. The carvings of English roses carved into the rails show the detail in the craftwork. The mixture of light and dark wood stains. A perfectly carved figurehead of a lion with fearsome claws and an open mouth, stood strong at the head of the ship. The ship’s name stretched across the back of the ship above the top windows, ‘King George III’ and under the lowest set of windows was ‘British Pride’. Although four of the decks held a full arsenal of cannons, this ship would be used as a passenger liner in times of peace, but not on this voyage.

This maiden voyage was just to test the speed and move-ability of a ship this size. Before it would be handed over on loan to the Royal Navy, to be used in the naval war with France. All cannons were mounted, and all ammunition carefully stored, with strict orders not to use them no matter what. 

Sailors were working up the rigging, with lookouts in the crow's nest, keeping a close eye out for enemy ships. Workers were cleaning the decks as the captain was going over charts. Waves gently sweep across the side of the ship, never high enough to reach the decks. But the cannon ports were closed tight, keeping water out anyway. 

All the crew seemed to sing along merrily as they worked. Now and then the captain would cross from port side to starboard, using a spyglass to check the waters. Walking around the top deck keeping everything and everyone in check while keeping a close eye out for any danger that may lurk nearby.

Another galleon was sighted heading towards them, as it got closer it was flying British colours. Both ships slowed down and came to a stop side by side. Although this other galleon was dwarfed compared to ‘King George III’.

The captain of the little galleon shouted across asking for permission to come aboard. Permission was granted and a door opened at the side of the ‘King George’ and a gangplank was passed across to the other ship. The captain walked carefully across and then closed the door after him. He walked through the deck and up the stairs to the top deck and then into the captain’s cabin.

Good to see you George, said the captain of King George. Would you like a spot of tea?

That would be nice Bernie, said George. Tell you what, this is a fine ship, a fine ship indeed. Biggest ever built I hear.

Yes George, we are taking it out for a test, sailing up North a spell, before we head back. said Bernie. So how are things with you?

I can’t complain, said George. I have good health, a good wife and kids. I have a good job and the pay is good too, even better when you get a little extra from… well you know. Taken goods from sinking ships.

Yea well, no good to the ship if it sinks, said Bernie. So do you save the people on board too, well sure you do, what am I thinking asking a question like that. 

Well Bernie, you see, sometimes the ship is not sinking when we first see them, said George. A few cannon shots later we just scoop down onto the sinking ship and take what we can before tailing it out of there. We learned a few tricks from that Jonathan Silverworth fellow.

You mean your lot are pirates. Said Bernie, pouring the tea into the finest porcelain cups. Help yourself to the sugar, aren't you worried you’ll get caught.

No, that's the beauty of it, said George. Since it is wartime, only hit the buggers that are our enemy. For King and country and all that.

So, you are heading back into London now? Asked Bernie. 

No, we have to dock in the Tyne at Newcastle, said George. A bit of time off while we restock and await new orders.

Both captains looked at the charts as Bernie showed George the route that he was ordered to take. George walked over to the back of the cabin and looked out of the windows. 

Well, I think this weather may change, Bernie, said George. I hope we get into the docks before it does.

I hope this weather keeps up, although I should say that this ship could handle a little storm if one hits. Said Bernie. 

Well, Bernie, said George. I best be off, safe travels and all that. Thanks for the tea, if we pass each other again, do pop on board my ship will you.

Will do George, will do, said Bernie. Say hello to your lovely wife, hope to visit you both someday soon.

George left the captain’s cabin and followed the same route he used to get there. A deckhand opened the door for him and once he crossed the gangplank, the deckhand picked it up and closed the door again before returning to his duties.

Both ships moved along, as the distance between them grew. It didn’t take too long before the other galleon was just a little blip on the waters. 

Then with no warning, dark clouds appeared and the wind gathered strength. The rain started to fall, and the waves gained height. Thunder sounded and lightning flashed, followed by a thick fog that made it hard to see your hand in front of your face. Soon the rain changed to hail, with ice the size of fists dropping out of the sky. The men covered their heads to stop the ice bouncing off them, as they raced below deck, bracing themselves for a storm like no other. The wind tore through the sails, giant waves rolled over the top of the ship, crashing down onto the deck below. The ship swayed from one side to the other. The men held onto anything they could, to help them from rolling around the deck like some loose cannonball. A few men stayed on deck fighting through the storm, holding to the rails so tight that their knuckles turned white. Holding on and moving slowly to get to the sails, trying not to get blown overboard by the wind. The quartermaster held tight to the helm, tying himself to the wooden rail and the helm to keep from going over. All the men knew this was going to be a rough ride, and the storm was most likely to be in for the night. But in this fog, all the quartermaster could do was hold the helm tight, and try not to go too far off course. The riggers climbed up the rigging, holding on for dear life. They needed to get those sails up to stop the wind from making the ship keeling over. 

Lightning struck the tall mast, breaking it clean in half, the top part fell to the deck and took one of the riggers with it. A deckhand rushed to his aid, but was soon washed over the side by a huge wave. The ship rocked sideways from starboard to port side, the more it rocked the more it rolled. Then, from out of nowhere. The biggest wave anyone had ever seen, a huge tsunami almost two hundred feet tall. Took the ship and rode it sideways and flipped it over, hull side up. 

The quartermaster, still tied to the helm, reached down his leg to find his knife and cut himself free. He headed to the surface and then he looked for others. Soon more men surfaced from the stern end of the ship, all trying to stay together, but the waves were too strong. Most of the men were floating face down. While those that could swim grabbed anything that would help them keep their heads above water. Soon the fog was too thick for the men to see the ship, even though they could hear the waves smashing on the hull. Suddenly they all heard a loud crash, like wood hitting rocks. One of the men cried out as the waves washed the men ashore. There were almost two hundred men on that ship, only thirty got washed up on a shore they hoped was English land.  

Bernie rose to his feet and looked around, nothing to see, the fog was still too thick. All his men, where were all his men? Did they make it off the ship, or did they get trapped in the lower decks? But he couldn’t think about that right now, he needed to see if any other men survived, and gather them all up and stay close to each other. They needed to get out of the rain and wind and get warm and dry, maybe even get some hot food. Just then, he heard someone call out.

Captain, captain…. Where are you, are you there, captain? CAPTAIN.

It was the quartermaster; he was a good friend of Bernie, and they grew up together in the same part of town. Bernie and the quartermaster were like brothers, Bernie was glad he could hear his friend shouting out to him. But before he could answer, another voice was heard shouting for the captain too, and then another and another.

I am here men, is everyone okay? I can’t see in this fog, but I will try to get to all of you as quickly as I can. Please get to the man next to you and try to stick together. We all need to stick together…. Did everyone make it off the ship?

No sir, Davy Jones, he… he’s gone, sir. A voice cried out.

Jim is gone too sir, and Ben, cried another.

Old Ben? Asked Bernie.

No sir, I'm here, I'm fine…. It's young Ben sir, the mast crushed him before the wave hit. Ben cried.

Oh my god, he was just a boy. Barely enough hair on his chin to even shave…What was he doing out on the deck in this storm?

He was doing the rigging sir, trying to get those sails up.

As the men searched for each other the fog cleared. The rain and wind still raged over the shore, but at least now they could see what was going on around them.

They all looked out at the mass of waves crashing the shore, and their ship smashed against the rocks. The bodies of their fallen crew members getting thrown around on the water lifeless and limp. The surviving crew all stood at the edge of the shoreline and with one hand on their hearts, Bernie said a prayer to them all. After they all said their goodbyes, they turned to look around to see if they recognised where they were. But this land was new to them.

The shore where they stood was a little stretch of beach, with high cliffs rising in front of them. The beach itself ran upward towards a steep hill. Thick forests covered the hills and tops of the cliffs, which blocked out most of the sky. However, a path led into the woodland from the beach that seemed to be the only way to go. Wanting to get out of the storm, the men had no choice but to follow the path and head up into the woods. At least the thick oak trees would cut off some of the wind and rain. The men seemed to walk for hours. They were wet, cold and exhausted; this was not any part of England that these men had seen before. Everywhere they looked there was nothing but trees. Horse and sweet chestnut, silver birch, capon and oak trees and a strong smell of pine. The only sounds they could hear were the strong wind and heavy rain.

Time passed and finally they came to a clearing, as they stood on a cliff and looked down, they saw the most beautiful city they had ever seen. The city was a giant fortress with a very large castle built in the centre. Lots of houses and shops were built outside the castle walls. The paths, roads, and houses, along with the castle and the walls, were all built of very strange stone. There was a river that flowed in a circle around the city and water fell from two points north of the castle from the high cliffs. As they all look across the horizon from the cliffs, this Island was a huge vast land that stretched out way beyond the city. A narrow pathway led down from where the men stood, it joined the city gate at the west side of the castle. The path stopped at an archway with two high cast-iron gates; the gates stood about twenty feet tall. Each gate had one figure on it looking toward the other gate, one figure was male and the other was female. With the gates closed, it looked as though the male figure was kissing the female figure’s neck. Other strange markings were on the gates too, but the men did not know what these meant.

I wonder if we survived that shipwreck, Bernie said to his men. As God is my witness, I am sure we stand here before the gates of hell.

Could this not be Heaven, sir? Ben said, holding his hand to his heart.

Heaven…. Hell, it has to be one of the two because I have never seen anything like this. Bernie said. Just look at the craftsmanship on this wall and arch. Made from some sort of stone, it felt as smooth as silk, but it was warm to the touch.

What should we do sir? Ben asked, Should we go back and wait for another ship?

No, we have to go in. Heaven or Hell so be it; we need to get dry and get some food so our only chance is to go on past these gates.

It took all the men to push one side of the heavy gates open just a little way for them to pass through. As soon as they all passed through the gate, the gate closed again all by itself. The men crossed over the bridge and stood on the other side of the river. Bernie looked at the bridge and the road, he then looked at the houses and even looked towards the castle. All made from the same sort of stone, white smooth and warm. Almost like marble, but not marble. The castle, with its four high circle towers, high walls and crystal-clear windows, looked very impressive and very impenetrable. He looked at the men and without saying a word pointed at the carvings and statues. They now understood what he meant earlier about craftsmanship. He motioned toward the castle and walked on. The men knew he meant they needed to go to the castle and talk to whoever is in charge of this place. And find out if there is any way back to England.

The heavy rain still fell, sending light floods of water running down the paths of the city. The clouds in the sky were still dark even though it was only mid-day, all was quiet and empty. The silence was soon broken by the sound of thunder, and the wind grew even stronger. The trees on the cliffs high above were bending and the window shutters were flapping. No light came from any windows in the city, even the castle in the centre of the city was in darkness. The whole island looked as though it was deserted.

The men battled the wind and slowly made their way up the steps to the castle gates. The gates were closed and no guards stood outside, Bernie opened the gate, he looked inside at the castle courtyard.

What sort of castle is this, no guards, an open gate, come on men let’s see if we can get in, keep an eye out for anything? said Bernie.

***

The men made their way across the courtyard to the main gates and opened the large oak wooden doors. As they walked into the main hall, the men stood in awe as they looked around the room. Marble floors of greens and blues with black marble separating the two colours. White marble walls and two rows of strange red marble pillars ran the length of the hall. Two thrones stood at the top of the hall, while tables and benches lined the side walls. Portraits of people were placed around the walls and armour and weapons all look unused and shining silver.

One set of armour caught their eye, it stood near the throne and it was all in black, boots, greaves, gauntlets, cuirass and helmet. It was made for a woman of around five feet in height. Even though the whole set had a scale design to it like that of a dragon, the gauntlets’ fingers look like claws. However, it was the helm that stood out, its visor covered the whole face without eye holes for the wearer to see through, or so it looked. The face of the visor looked like some sort of demon with a partially opened mouth and razor-sharp teeth. The side of the helm looked like a set of ears in the shape of bat wings. A dragon-like serpent curved its way around the breast cups. An inch long spike protruded from the nipples of the breastplate.

 Bernie walked up to the armour and reached out his hand to touch it when a voice from the side of him made him jump. It was the voice of a man and he spoke perfect English with a northern accent.

I would not touch that if you like your hands at the end of your arms. Said the Man.

I am sorry, I was just looking at it. Said Bernie.

Then one may suggest looking with one's eyes and not with one’s hands. Replied the man.

The man sat in the throne followed by a woman who sat next to him in the other throne, guards entered and stood around the great hall. One man wearing a blue and purple tunic, stood next to the man on the throne. While the man whispered into his ear, the other man walked away through a door on the left.

The man on the throne was dressed in a long blue frock coat with gold trimmings. While wearing a matching waistcoat over a white silk shirt with a frill collar and cuffs. He also wore a pair of dark blue breeches and white silk thigh length stockings. His shoes were made from leather, were black and had a gold buckle on each. He had white hair shoulder-length brushed back. However, his hair was not a wig unlike most people of his station throughout the world. His grey eyes told his age, and that he was a man of great wisdom.

The woman sitting next to him, had blonde, golden yellow hair, long about waist length and tied back. She wore a red gown with gold trimmings and red shoes. Her gown was a different style than other women’s gowns in her station, the gown was cut close to her body. Showing how slender her figure is, while other women throughout the world opted for a more hourglass look with bell shaped dress. Her eyes were blue and she looked to be in her early twenties, however, the man looked to be in his mid-forties. There were no crowns on their heads so the outsiders didn't know if these people were of any importance or not, however, Bernie spoke.

Forgive me but we know not who we stand before or of your station, but we are sure we are in Heaven or Hell. Said Bernie.

Really, why do you think you are in Heaven or Hell? Asked the man sitting on the throne.

We have sailed for many years and have seen many things, but nothing like this. This whole island is unique. Bernie said.

Well, you can call us Lord William and Lady Beth, of Malikperse. Although titles shift between people here from time to time. Said the man.

Thank you, Lord William. I am Captain Bernie of HMS King George the third, said Bernie. We were sailing from England to the Atlantic when our ship got into trouble in this heavy storm. We lost most of our crew, we are all that is left. We got to shore and found ourselves here on this strange land. Our country is at war with France, so we hope that we are not dead and this is not Heaven or Hell. Then maybe you could help us get back home.

Well, I can tell you we are not from France or any other country, including England, said Lord William. This also is not Heaven or Hell, and as we can tell you all look pretty much alive to us. This land is called Malikperse, named after its founder over 1000 years ago, and it is far more than just an Island. We keep ourselves to ourselves and don’t get involved with the outside world. We are what we are and we serve no other than ourselves. But enough of this for now, you are wet, cold and hungry. So please join us for dinner. As our guests, please follow the servant through that door there on your right.

The men looked at each other and then walked toward the door, the smell of meat cooking filled the room, and all the other smells were overwhelming. The men were met with three young ladies who asked them to follow them. They followed the ladies into a side room. There they were asked to remove their wet clothing and change into dry ones that the ladies had placed on dressers for them.

There is clean water in those bowls for you all to wash. One of the ladies said as she walked out of the room. Once you are ready, make your way through the door on the right of the door you just entered, into the dining room and take a seat at the table.

The men changed into white and blue tunics with matching pants and little shoes made from animal fur. They washed their hands and faces, then made their way to the dining room where they took seats around the table.

The table was adorned with candlesticks of artistic design, the candlestick holders were made from solid gold with jewels encrusted around the bottom. Platters, dishes and cups were all made of silver. Salt and pepper shakers made of silver topped with a golden wolf head with diamond eyes, Stood in the centre of the table. Roast pig, chickens, quails. Baked tarts, hot custards with proportionate quantities of bread and cakes. Large jugs of mead, ale, and wine. Peas, beans, onions, leeks, turnips and carrots. Berries, pumpkins, peaches, pears, apples, dried dates, raisins and figs. Were all placed on the table ready to be eating.

Lord William and Lady Beth sat at the head of the table, where half the servants and other workers, including the castle steward, sat as well. Bernie thought this was strange, normal class workers and servants, sitting around a table eating with people of higher class. This would never be heard of back in England, everyone there knew their place and lower and upper class rarely mixed. A servant poured red wine into the cups for Lord William and Lady Beth. Before pouring wine into the rest of the cups, Lord William then stood up.

I would like to welcome our guests here this evening and hope they enjoy this fine meal we are sharing with them. I would also like to offer them a few houses, until we can get them back home. Lord William reached down and took Lady Beth’s hand. Helping her up, they turned to a large portrait of a beautiful young coloured woman with purple eyes. Lord William and Lady Beth both raised their cups.

I would like us all to raise our cups to a special woman. Whom without her, this whole land would not be possible. To Midnight. said Lord William.

To Midnight, everyone in the room shouted.

They all sat back down and started to eat and drink, as Lord William called in for the entertainment. Soon after, three bards came into the room and played some light music on lutes.

After the meal, the Lord called in for six house servants, he then turned to address the table.

I hope the meal was satisfactory. Now we don't have a spare house big enough to hold all of you, but we have six houses for five of you each. We will give you each a house servant to take care of your needs. Now these houses are not next to each other but feel free to wander wherever and whenever you wish. The servants will cook and clean for you and serve you to the best of their ability, said Lord William.

The meal was very satisfying, the best I have ever had, said Bernie. However, and I don't mean any disrespect, but how long would we be waiting here until we can get back to our home?

We have one ship at the moment, that is used for sea travel, we do have training ships, these are used to train our sailors, unfortunately, these are being used. As soon as one becomes available or our ship returns, we will then get you all home. Lord William replied. However, in the meantime, please stay here in the city as our guests. I do ask however, that you do not venture out of the city, especially at night. We have a lot of…. Wild animals that are free to hunt, and they prefer to hunt at night.

Thank you, Lord, said Bernie, repeated by the rest of his men.

It was nighttime when Bernie and his men followed the servants out of the castle to each of the houses. Each group of men settled in and made themselves at home. They all washed and then they all settled down to sleep for the night.

Back at the castle, a hooded figure dressed in black walked into the throne room. It was a young woman of African descent, but instead of her going down on one knee to greet Lord William and Lady Beth. It was Lord William and Lady Beth, as well as the rest of the men, servants and even guards going down on one knee and welcoming the young woman.

Welcome home, our Queen. Lady Beth spoke with a tremble in her voice.

Now, what have I told you, call me Midnight. And don't be so afraid my dear I will not hurt you, yet you tremble in my presence, said Midnight.

I am sorry my Queen…. Midnight. We only wish to please you, said Lady Beth.

Come on get up, it is I that gave you these titles and I should be on my knees. But that is not why I am here, said Midnight.

Have you come about the outsiders? Lord William asked. We have given them a few houses in the city until we spoke to you about them. They were shipwrecked and only wished to return home, I told them we would return them once our ship returns.

No, my child, I didn’t know about the outsiders but yes return them as soon as you can, said Midnight. This is no time for mortal outsiders to come to our world. However, I do wonder how they passed through the veil. I have just returned with freedom. My cargo and rescued people are all being seen at the hospital. Anisa has taken a training ship to learn how to captain on her own one day. She is sailing around these waters in our world, not the mortal waters, in time she may venture out into that world. I have brought with me a friend that is going to be working for me. She is going to stay in the guest wing of the north tower. She is not to be disturbed from her work and she is to have anything she wishes. Her job is to look after the whole north tower and study the old scriptures I have stored there.

Do you mean this girl is going to study… Him? Does she know what it is you ask of her, and what it means? I’m sorry to say this to you my Queen, but I think he is best left forgotten; you know what happened the last time we heard about him. Lord William said.

We only heard rumours about him, nothing was confirmed or proven. Yes, I did try to find him many years ago, I followed trails of blood and the destruction of many villages. However, there were a lot of things killing and destroying places in those days. The Romans, other beasts of the night and hunters. Maybe we will never know the truth about what really happened. Midnight said. I have not seen him in a thousand years. Even then I have not spoken to him properly, not since those few nights after he made me what I am now. I never thanked him for the gift, or even made him a home here in this land. Without him, this land would not be here. Yes, we heard rumours, yes, we heard and still hear terrible things about him. But I know different, I know because I felt it that night I was made. I want to find him and thank him; I want to help him with whatever trouble he is in. I owe him everything.

Your gift is our curse my Queen, a guard spoke out of term and walked over to Midnight. You may like what you are, but I hate it. Being what we are has taken everything away for me that was good in my life. Now, look at what I have. I don't call this a life; I am living in hell with no way out. And you want to welcome this guy, who made you, here to our home. People say he is the evilest thing to have ever walked the Earth. And you want to bring that evil here. Then I will tell you this my Queen, if he does come here, if you find him. I will make sure to end his suffering once and for all.

I will not get upset with you for speaking your mind and probably saying what everyone is thinking, said Midnight. But get in my face again, I will rip yours off and drain you in seconds. Midnight continued. If he does come here, then you do what you wish, I will not stand in your way. But I will do what I wish. If you don't like it here or you don't like my rules then leave, leave with the outsiders. No one is forcing you to stay here.

Please my Queen, Lord William said, holding Lady Beth's hand. I and Lady Beth are human, we are not like you, we do not wish to offend you, and your wish is our command. But Lady Beth has asked to be made like you. She is beautiful and young and will make a good vampire, she is prepared for whatever happens.

Leave it with me, I will think about it. What about you? Do you wish to become or not? Said Midnight.

I am too old, my Queen. I will stay a human and grow old till my death, said Lord William.

That is fine with me Lord William, I will never turn those who do not want to be turned. That is the point of our world. That is why Malik made it. It is a safe place for humans and vampires and all manner of other creatures, to live together without pressure or fear, said Midnight.

Midnight removed her hood, her shoulder-length black hair was brushed back over her head and tied with a purple ribbon. Her dark purple eyes were strange and very hypnotic, her once dark brown skin was now a lighter golden brown. Only her facial features told of her African origins. She walked over to Lord William and kissed his lips, and then kissed the lips of Lady Beth. 

Call on me later tonight, Midnight said. We shall talk about your transition. 

Lady Beth smiled at Midnight as Midnight turned and walked over to the outspoken guard and removed his sword. Followed by his helm and shield, she then stripped him of his guard uniform and told him to leave the castle. He could stay in the city if he wished, but he was no longer welcome in the castle and he was not welcome as a guard. Midnight then summoned the castle steward and asked him to bring in the girl from the courtyard.

The steward bowed his head and walked out of the throne room and into the courtyard. There he was met with a young, beautiful woman just a little over five feet tall, with a slim build. Her hair was light brown and cut just past her shoulders, she had beautiful full green eyes and sensual lips. She wore chain mail of silver and the tunic under the chain was black leather. Her leather boots came halfway up her calves, revealing the rest of her slender legs and thighs, before the tunic stopped you looking any further up. The woman could not have been any more than eighteen years of age, but the way she stood, strong and ready to fight. The steward could tell she could handle herself. Her black leather quiver strapped to her back held her many cedar wood arrows, tipped with pure silver and feathers from an eagle. Her bow was a little longer than a standard bow, but shorter than a longbow, custom made just for her out of Elmwood.

The Queen is ready to see you now, said the steward, reaching down to pick up her leather bundle holding whatever belongings she had brought with her.

Lead the way sire, said the woman, in a soft French accent.

They both returned to the throne room. Lord William and Lady Beth were back sitting on the thrones, and Queen Midnight was standing next to them.

"Welcome Pandora, Lord William and Lady Beth have granted my wish allowing you to stay in the north tower, to do your research into the old scriptures. As you will be now living here with us, feel free to come and go as you wish. Use the tower, and the city as if it