Chapter 11

• *Dark Crystal Tower*
• Strolling through the hall, the emperor could smell the scent of his grandson, who he thought once had been dead. And that of the woman he had saved his great-granddaughter. Emperor Baldwin entered the room where Finja was sleeping. “She is perfect!” He whispered to Red Fang.
• Red Fang was holding Finja’s hand, pressing his forehead to his and her hand, “she is!” Kissing her hand he placed it back down on the bed. Standing up Red Fang took off his face cover, “Grandfather!” He bowed. Standing straight. “How did you find out about Finja?”
• Pulling a chair over to the bed, the emperor sat down, “it might have been the technology that she managed to get to work. It could have been the fact she refused to bow!” Emperor Baldwin saw his grandson smirk at his daughter's defiance. Clearing his throat, “or … it could have been her golden eyes.” The emperor calculated his grandson, "it was the eyes that gave way to her bloodline."
• Red Fang sat down in his chair at the motion of his grandfather's hand, “Finja is normally better at controlling her emotions.” He glanced at his daughter, “It must have been the hormones that caused the heightened emotional state.”
• Keeping his tone low not wanting to wake up Finja. “What I find interesting is that she did not know or at least Lord Ascelius claims she doesn’t know of her bloodline! Why?”
• Scoffing, “did you not know?” Red Fang was keeping his voice down but the bitterness was still there. “Roman made it very clear that I was not family. If he ever saw me or my child again he would kill the both of us.”
• Snarling, “and your uncle was reprimanded for his actions. Then we spend over a decade trying to locate you.” The emperor glanced around the room, “The whole time we thought you dead, we even mourned you. Yet this whole time you were always under our noses.”
• Sarcastically laughing, “why would you look for me? HMM! You told me as long as I spoke of fairy tales and nonsense I was not welcome home.” Red Fang was bitter and hurt. “So I made my own family. Shifters, Vampires and humans!”
• Curling his lips, “And do they love you?” The emperor narrowed his sight on his grandson.
• “More than you ever did!” Red Fang forced a bitter smile on his face. “They didn't care that I was a dreamer! Or a vampire!" Red Fang hissed. "I don’t know what you were expecting … coming all this way from Dorasea!”
• “So you knew I was there!” Emperor Baldwin raised a brow.
• "I made it my job to know everything!" Red Fang shifted. “I knew the day you left Emperor’s Castle. I also know about all of the attempts on your miserable existence. I knew every move you ever made ... always keeping an eye on all of you.”
• “HA! There were never any attempts on my life.” The emperor spoke his truth.
• Red Fang’s facial expression changed to sadness, “there were several that I interfered with. They … never made it to Briar Woods.” Sighing. “Rimvan and I spent a lot of time protecting your title.” He glanced down at his hands. “I always hoped that you … would see the truth before it was too late.” Glancing over at Finja. “Once Finja is awake, I will be taking her home to her real family.”
• Clicking his tongue, “no you will not! She is a vampire …”
• “None of you will be taking the alpha queen anywhere!” Gruneth stated as she closed the door. “Finja’s pregnancy from the beginning was a high risk. To move her now would be a death sentence to the babies. Possibly Finja herself!” Glancing over at Finja, “She is remarkable! However, Alpha Queen Finja is not without her weaknesses. And this is one of those times.” Straightening her back, “Master Hound has made it clear that neither one of you will be taking her from this location. I have already told Alpha Ace my professional opinion. Bed rest for the remainder of her gestational period. And I will see it through!” She set her sight on each of the men one at a time. Letting them know that she was in control of Finja's well-being along with the unborn babies.
• Sighing as he shook his head, “I figured it was either Mistress Hel or Master Hound that caused the land to shake.” Emperor Baldwin stood up.
• “It was and he is heading to his mate to get reinforcement. I would suggest that you two make yourselves comfortable. A storm is coming this way … Master Hound is not pleased that his favourite was harmed.” Gruneth inclined her head to the emperor and Red Fang. “Alpha Faetha has been informed of Master Hound’s wishes. As you can see, accommodations are …”
• The emperor began to laugh, “a lot better than Dorasea.”
• “I think that is one thing we can agree on grandfather … poor Relzeiros never had a chance. If he was left in charge two years ago, things would have been different.” Red Fang placed his hand over Finja’s. “The man that decided to defile my daughter …”
• Gruneth giggled softly, “Alpha Ace is a wonderful man and an excellent match for the alpha queen.” She hummed for a second, "I look forward to serving both of them. They will bring back the glory that once was what made Dorhelhound unique compared to other realms!"
• “Then why isn’t Alpha Ace here?” Emperor Baldwin snapped.
• Smiling, “That is because he is working with the other alphas and the underground army.” Gruneth paused for a second to think about what her next words were going to be. “Since Alpha Ace and Alpha Queen Finja have arrived, we have gained more knowledge and skills that our ancestors took to their graves. Do not mistake Alpha Ace’s actions, his intentions are honourable. But he is not only a husband and soon to be father, he is an alpha as well.” Gruneth forced a smile, "Unlike the other kingdoms, we had not seen the damage as they have. Though there was damage with the last attack. We are all doing our duty, when Alpha Ace has time he will come to his mate. Until then ... do not judge what you do not see."
• All three heads had turned to the door when there was a tapping sound, opening it, four sorcerers strolled into the room. Gruneth only glanced at Red Fang to understand his question. “Alpha Ace has requested that our queen be brought to their chamber. That way Black Widow and the others will be able to protect her more efficiently. Ace insists that Finja will be more comfortable knowing that at the end of the day, he will be there for her.”
• The sorcerers got to work. Muttering words, Finja’s body was levitating with the sheets dangling off her body. "Alpha Queen Finja will most likely rest until the early morning. I will be around this time tomorrow to do a check-up... though if her condition should change, come and get me. I will be working in the clinic." Gruneth said as everyone was getting ready to leave.
• Emperor Baldwin made sure the main door was open wide as the sorcerers floated Finja down the halls, flights of stairs and to her quarters. Between the emperor and Red Fang, the pathway was clear, making the sorcerers' task effortless.
• Inspecting the quarters the emperor wrinkled his nose. Red Fang chuckled softly, “Finja has never liked fancy things, always prefered things to be plain. A modest lifestyle.”
• "You were always like that when you were a child." Emperor Baldwin recalled Red Fang's childhood. “I can see she got that from you!” Emperor Baldwin said as Red Fang tucked the sheets around Finja’s body.
• Glaring down at his daughter, "Finja is considerably wealthy. She got that way because she always lived below her means. And did not spend money unless she had to." Red Fang took a step away from the bed.
• Near the door, "Your father will want to see you!" The emperor spoke softly.
• Not saying a word Red Fang closed the door softly not wanting to disturb Finja. As both the men exited the bedroom, Ace was sitting in the lounge, “We need to speak!” He held a glass of wine in his hand, as he watched both of the vampires stroll toward him. Their eyes locked on the one man who radiated power to match theirs.
• “Finja knows! And she is deeply hurt by the lies that you have told her.” Ace’s eyes were narrowed on Red Fang. “If I were you I would tell her the truth before she sheds another tear. Only I and the Gods know how many nights I held her while she cried herself to sleep.”
• “No one could tell her … they were under a vampire oath!” Red Fang appeared worried and scared.
• "Are you downgrading Finja's intelligence!" Giving the emperor a cheeky grin,”it was the gold eyes that were the give away. Then Finja began adding one and one together. She figured out that you are actually her father and not Rimvan. What she doesn’t know is why you lied to her.” He began to laugh more, “the hardest pill for her to swallow was knowing that she was the granddaughter of the emperor.”
• "Great granddaughter!" Red Fang took a step closer to the alpha.
• Placing the glass down. “Finja is mighty angry at the both of you right now. But …” Standing up Ace stuck out his hand to the emperor, “thank you for saving Finja!”
• “No thanks for saving your unborn offspring?” The emperor raised a brow and he shook his hand.
• “To lose a child is heartbreaking. But there is no one like Finja! I lost hope in finding my better half. Then I spotted Finja at Erolzwald and I knew … I would make her my mate and love her for the rest of my life.” Ace was smiling, “she is smart, a great leader and she keeps me out of trouble!”
• All three of them chuckled, “real women have the habit of doing that. Rimvan would have approved of this." Red Fang sat down as Ace did. "Actually he would have pushed for this union. He always wanted his daughters to marry someone from the North.”
• “What about you, what did you want for Finja?” Ace asked as Emperor Baldwin waited for his grandson to respond.
• Sighing, “For Finja to be happy! She did not have the best start to life, a lot of sadness. When is the mating ceremony?” Red Fang studied the shifter up and down.
• Picking up the glass of wine he finished it in one gulp, “Minus the dress, food and party guest … Finja is already marked!”
• Emperor Baldwin and Red Fang glared at each other, “WHAT?” Both of them yelled. “Oh, Cithra is going to kill you!” Red Fang was chuckling until he noticed that Ace was frowning while shaking his head.
• “Before I left Finja in Gruneth’s care,” Ace tilted his head back as his eyes watered up. “The last attack …” He cleared his throat shaking his head.
• Red Fang glared at the door that was closed, “no!”
• “Finja was hysterical but it was very clear. Finja could see the spirit of her mum.” Ace was regulating his breathing, "that is why Finja is asleep. I was told that Finja's emotional outburst was causing more complications. So she was given a drug to calm her down. There is a good chance, I will have to give her more, if Finja can't get in control of her ..."
• Red Fang glanced around the area, “Do you have anything stronger than wine?”
• Ace glanced over at the emperor, “you going to drink with us?”
• Taking a seat, "I don't know if it will change things but I could use something right now. Who is Cithra?"
• Ace grabbed three glasses and began pouring their drinks.
• "Cithra was Finja's adopted mother." Red Fang glared down at his drink, "In one year they have lost their father, their home and now their mum! This is going to be a heavy blow to the family. They might have extended blood, but that will not help with the pain they will feel."
• Placing the rim of the glass to his lips, "Bloodrose bloodline?" Emperor Baldwin gulped his drink.
• "That they are!" Red Fang smiled.
• "Before ... Did Shankha and Lamia know of their existence?" The emperor's tone was low.
• Chuckling, "they didn't ask questions when our paths crossed and I did not tell." Red Fang admitted.
• Chuckling, "If Shankha goes for your head, I will not be standing in her way!" The emperor gave his grandson the knowing glare. "Did they know about your true identity?"
• "No!" Red Fang finished his drink. "I could not risk Finja's life. And by the time she was 15 ... she just started smiling. So Rimvan and I decided to wait until she was 21. Then disaster hit! We were going to tell Finja the truth, it never seemed like the right time to tell her." He glanced at the door, "I only ever wanted to protect her!"
• *Sigmison*
• Davwan was sitting in his office when a runner came to his office, “Sir, Red Fang is on the two-way communicator asking for you.”
• Placing his writing tool down, Davwan stood up from his chair. Directing his feet to the communication area, Davwan could hear Red Fang's voice. He sounded tired and worn out.
• “Red Fang to Siggy!”
• Picking up the receiver and pressing the button. “Siggy here, what is the report?” He crossed his fingers that his friend had gotten to their queen before any harm came to her.
• “Little Bird is in critical condition. Dark Crystal Tower has been hit hard. The generals are still on the run.”
• “Barnacles!” Davwan hissed as Yanokas strolled into the location with a questioning look. “Do you require back up?”
• “Negative! Pompadour is remaining while I head back to the hive. Report?”
• There was static for a bit while Davwan thought about what to say, “target is finished. Construction on the chamber is underway. Building should be completed in one week.”
• “Over and out!”
• Clicking the button Davwan placed the receiver to his mouth, “over and out!”
• Yanokas glanced at his friend, “So?”
• Placing the receiver down, “Finja is critical!” Motioning his fingers through his hair. “We all take risks each day, Finja is no different than the rest of us.”
• “So what are we to do?” Yanokas followed Davwan out of the location.
• “We are going to continue to do what we have been doing. Dig as much each day. Keep the women and children safe. And when we are needed … we will fight!”
• “I have already begun working on a plan to create a tunnel from here to Stormfall Mountain. The men that have stepped up and volunteered for this mission will be starting soon. I am finishing up on the last details. I was wondering if after your group is finished if they want to work with me?”
• “We are close to finishing a bridge that will go from one side to the other. Once that is completed ...” Davwan continued to walk until he got to his office. Sitting down in his chair. “The men will need a few days to relax but I am sure that a few if not all of them will want to join your team.”
• Sitting down, “I found that with these projects, there are plenty of hands sitting idle. Few will volunteer to work.” Huffing out loud, “I am becoming more and more frustrated with the situation. I think we need to sit down with the other leaders and council and rectify this situation … before someone loses their temper.”
• “I noticed this when we got here.” Leaning back into his chair. “What do you say about rewarding the workers? What do our food rations look like?” Davwan asked Yanokas with a cheeky smile on his face.
• Yanokas glared at his friend knowing what he was thinking, “the diggers and fighters need more protein. I think we can afford to give them a strip or two more. It shouldn’t cost much to feed the hard workers more than the others.”
• Writing on a slip of paper, Yanokas called for a runner. “Make sure Wyte gets this and the instructions are followed.” The runner took the folded paper and ran out of the location to find Wyte. “This might encourage others to step up and work. Once they notice the labourers receiving more portions than the rest of them.”
• “I could understand when they first arrived here the fear they felt. Yet they have had three months to adjust to the routine and rules. It is time they start working together. Rationing out more food is one way to get cooperation. We are going to be here for a while!” Davwan thought further on the topic.
• "This is why we have a system that is fair and just." Yanokas said as he stood up. "I am going to finish up with the drafts before I hand them over to Red Fang."
• ***
• Carbel was chained to the wall as she waited for the third round of beatings. No matter how many times she explained herself, the shifters would not listen.
• She couldn't blame them, if she were them, she wouldn't trust the enemy either.
• The door to her cell was open. A male strolled in as he eyed her up and down she kept her eyes locked on him not flinching when he brought out a dagger and bowl. Carbel could not see who it was that stood in front of her. The only thing she knew about this man, who was dressed in black with only his eyes showing ... he was a vampire.
• Cutting her flesh, the blood dripped into the bowl. Leaving the area without uttering a room, he held the bowl to a female. Carbel knew by her scent that she too was a vampire. A much older than herself.
• "The unregistered vampire speaks the truth!" The female said after she drank her blood. "Keep the prisoner here. I will speak with the council and let them know what information I have found out."
• The door was being shot to the wooden door, as Carbel yelled, "Can I not at least be released from these chains?"
• Opening the slot the male snarled at her, "be satisfied with the fact you're not getting another beating!" He hissed at her.