Post by DA Author on Jun 23, 2021 0:56:08 GMT
Vampire L'empereur, Corvin Grey stood unflinching and resolute, still as an ancient marble statue lining the Roman Forum. His smooth, alabaster skin shimmered with the tingling energy known as the Dusk. No one knew for sure, but the invisible essence was the likely source of their powers, and here, in his ancestral estate, Black Oak Manor, it seemed to resonate even more, seeping from the earth beneath the foundation.
Standing to his right was his daughter, Midnight, as true and faithful a child as there ever could be. She was to be his heir one day, once she learned the proper etiquette and protocol of New Orleans. For now, she would observe and learn the unsavory aspect of politics. On his left, was a man who was above all reproach, Herr Karl Brandt, survivor of the Nazi genocide, and leader of the resistance against Hitler’s dark army. For the last sixty years he had led the elite Phalanx of protectors who guarded him day and night.
He was also liaison with the treacherous and scheming Vampire Senate. Without good friend Karl, there was little doubt he would have been able to hold on to power as long as he had. The world had changed radically, even for the Nocturnae, as they were called.
“He has been found my Lord”, the Wolven Commander of the Lower Garden District said, obviously distressed, moving forward to address Corvin Grey.
"Proceed no further," Brandt warned, placing himself between the Commander and his Emperor.
"At ease, Karl, Rafael is a man of integrity. I trust him as I trust you." Corvin Grey held his chin slightly raised.
"Forgive my impertinence my liege," Brandt begged. "May I continue, with your permission?"
He bowed to Corvin when he received a gesture to proceed.
“Where?” Brandt demanded.
“The sewer drain in the French Quarter sir.” Rafael replied, his voice trembling.
A hushed silence fell over the gathered dignitaries. That area of New Orleans was off limits for any of the Nocturnae, an island of refuge left for the human population. Of course they did often enter that realm but never in any official capacity.
“He was beheaded, his flesh ripped to shreds, his entrails spilled, sir, not even a Wolf would do something so heinous...the Regent had a look of fear in his eyes. What could frighten one so old my Lord??”
Corvin cleared his throat, moving forward, gesturing for Brandt to remain in place. “What is it that you are not telling me Commander.”
"Father, protocol demands that you adhere to the conventions we have built over the centuries. The Senate would see this as a sign of weakness."
He smiled. She was bright and intelligent, far more than he was. One day she would make a fine Empress.
"Sometimes my dear, protocol must be suspended when a friend is in obvious pain. We rule by acclamation not fear. The Senate will condemn me, regardless of my actions."
Rafael held his head high. He had an innate fear of Vampires, but that fear never did manifest when in the presence of Corvin Grey.
“Vitellius, sir, as you know, he was an old commander from antiquity. If such malice and injury could be inflicted upon him, then what does that mean for the rest of us who do not possess his acumen and knowledge?”
The Vampire gently placed a firm hand on the Wolven Regents broad shoulder. “My friend, what is it that has shaken you so?”
The Commander's shoulders sagged as he slowly pulled an object wrapped in cloth from his overcoat.
“His heart had been removed sir, and this was left in its place.”
Slowly unwrapping the cloth, he revealed a shiny, blood covered object for all to see. As he wiped the gore from its surface, an insidious symbol slowly began to take shape in the center of the Gold bar; the swastika of the Third Reich.
Standing to his right was his daughter, Midnight, as true and faithful a child as there ever could be. She was to be his heir one day, once she learned the proper etiquette and protocol of New Orleans. For now, she would observe and learn the unsavory aspect of politics. On his left, was a man who was above all reproach, Herr Karl Brandt, survivor of the Nazi genocide, and leader of the resistance against Hitler’s dark army. For the last sixty years he had led the elite Phalanx of protectors who guarded him day and night.
He was also liaison with the treacherous and scheming Vampire Senate. Without good friend Karl, there was little doubt he would have been able to hold on to power as long as he had. The world had changed radically, even for the Nocturnae, as they were called.
“He has been found my Lord”, the Wolven Commander of the Lower Garden District said, obviously distressed, moving forward to address Corvin Grey.
"Proceed no further," Brandt warned, placing himself between the Commander and his Emperor.
"At ease, Karl, Rafael is a man of integrity. I trust him as I trust you." Corvin Grey held his chin slightly raised.
"Forgive my impertinence my liege," Brandt begged. "May I continue, with your permission?"
He bowed to Corvin when he received a gesture to proceed.
“Where?” Brandt demanded.
“The sewer drain in the French Quarter sir.” Rafael replied, his voice trembling.
A hushed silence fell over the gathered dignitaries. That area of New Orleans was off limits for any of the Nocturnae, an island of refuge left for the human population. Of course they did often enter that realm but never in any official capacity.
“He was beheaded, his flesh ripped to shreds, his entrails spilled, sir, not even a Wolf would do something so heinous...the Regent had a look of fear in his eyes. What could frighten one so old my Lord??”
Corvin cleared his throat, moving forward, gesturing for Brandt to remain in place. “What is it that you are not telling me Commander.”
"Father, protocol demands that you adhere to the conventions we have built over the centuries. The Senate would see this as a sign of weakness."
He smiled. She was bright and intelligent, far more than he was. One day she would make a fine Empress.
"Sometimes my dear, protocol must be suspended when a friend is in obvious pain. We rule by acclamation not fear. The Senate will condemn me, regardless of my actions."
Rafael held his head high. He had an innate fear of Vampires, but that fear never did manifest when in the presence of Corvin Grey.
“Vitellius, sir, as you know, he was an old commander from antiquity. If such malice and injury could be inflicted upon him, then what does that mean for the rest of us who do not possess his acumen and knowledge?”
The Vampire gently placed a firm hand on the Wolven Regents broad shoulder. “My friend, what is it that has shaken you so?”
The Commander's shoulders sagged as he slowly pulled an object wrapped in cloth from his overcoat.
“His heart had been removed sir, and this was left in its place.”
Slowly unwrapping the cloth, he revealed a shiny, blood covered object for all to see. As he wiped the gore from its surface, an insidious symbol slowly began to take shape in the center of the Gold bar; the swastika of the Third Reich.