The Fall of the Sarafan Stronghold

Ever a thorn in the side of Kain's Empire, the Ancient Sarafan Stronghold is located south of the Pillars of Nosgoth, within easy striking distance of the Sanctuary of the Clans, which contains the Pillars and the seat of Kain's growing empire.  Though the glory days of the Sarafan Brotherhood have long since past, a contingent of Vampire Hunters - the only large grouping of these soldiers in Nosgoth - had taken up residence, intent on holding out to the last man.  To deal with this threat, Kain dispatched no less than three of his Lieutenants to destroy the Stronghold and cast down its accursed defenders.  Led by the devious Turel, the three legions encircled the Stronghold and under Turel's orders began draining the lake blocking their path.  Though many familiars perished in this endeavour, they were eventually successful.  However, it took three years for Turel to move all the pieces in his grand strategy into position.  To the detriment of the defenders, Turel had decided after these years that the time had come to launch the final assault...

I.  The Vampire Camp

As the wind swept across the plains, blowing over the stronghold and its besiegers alike, a solitary figure stood upon the ledge of a cliff that once overlooked a great lake, but was now dredged of water by the vampires' human slaves.

Watching the Ancient Stronghold of the Sarafan. Once a great symbol of hope to the humans of Nosgoth, now it was close to ruin. For a time, the figure cared not right now how long for time meant nothing to one such as he, the fortress and its human occupants, vampire hunters, had been under siege, assailed by a large vampire force led by no less than three of Kain's Lieutenants. One of which was this solitary figure, his green banner, draped over his shoulder, fluttering in the wind, the symbol of his clan proudly beared upon it for all to see.

The vampire Turel. Second born and second in line of command, under Kain and Raziel in that order. He and two of his brothers, jointly in command (though if troubles arose the decision fell unto him due to his seniority) and now with the humans surrounded.

There would be no escape for these foolish cattle.

Turning, Turel stalked down towards the camp wherein lay the command tent, where his brothers awaited...

* * * * *

Raziel gazed along the perimeter of the Sarafan settlement. The wind took up his muddy red banner that waved over his shoulder. The proud leader of the Razielim made his way to the inner most part of the camp. Although the humans were growing weaker with every conflict, there was still much to take into account. There were few are no weak points along the outside perimeter of the stronghold, and the same held true to the very innermost portions of the Sarafan.

Today, Turel was not aware of Raziel's presence there in the war camp. He had been dispatched earlier that month and had been acting somewhat covertly, running alongside members of the Ralielim when necessary watching and keeping tabs on the humans.

He was not a watcher today however. He had strode directly into the camp to the central tent where preparations were taking place. There two of his brothers were talking, discussing as necessary the plans for the battle to come. Turel however was no where to be found. Probably for the best in any case.

Zephon, off Zephonim with his long light blue banner falling down from his sholder, turns sharply with his long banner swing around to see Raziel walk into the tent where, Zephon and His brother are talkin about the plans,
"Brother come in..."

Zephon say's to Inviting him into the tent.

Raziel smiled lightly and nodded towards his brothers, then walked over to them.

"Well, what is the current situation with the Sarafan? I trust they will have fallen by this eve..."

Raziel's high expectations were always borderline impossible to live up to, but he held himself to the same expectations. Perhaps that was how he gained Kain's favor as he did.

"They shall fall, dear brother," Turel interjected, standing at the tent's opening, "When we deem it necessary. Not you."

Striding in, Turel looked first to Zephon for a moment. Then, his eyes fell upon the map of the stronghold. With one claw, he pointed to a position to the south.

"My forces are in position to attack the southern tower as planned.

"And yours, my brother?" Turel asked, raising his head to look at the room's other, and thus far unintroduced, occupant.

Noticing that others were speaking to him Dumah turned his head and spoke in a loud confident voice...

"Yes my foces are in position, our plans are prepared, we cannot fail the humans will be dead by dawn."

Upon seeing his brother Zephon in the tent Dumah began laughing aloud...

"So were you sent here little brother to attack the castle also? I'm sure we could do with some more suicide troops to dredge the moat... the human slaves have proven quite adept at it although their casualty rate has been quite high... still your clan would be no great loss.."

Turning to face Raziel. Dumah spoke even more arrogantly...

"So brother have you come to claim yet another victory here, it would be a nice addition to a long list of victories won by others but claimed by you...."

Turing to Turel Dumah continued...

"When night falls and we are at our strongest we will attack, the humans stand no chance, we will be victorious and we will present this fortress to Kain himself, imagine brother the rewards to come."

"I am merely here to watch you brother. Nothing more."

Raziel stepped to the center of the tent and place his claws on the planning table. There war and hate were forged, prepaired for the humans. Many would die at the hands of Kain's sons tonight, and this made Raziel happy.

"You're just going to blast them with an onslaught when night falls? Surely you have a better plan than this Turel...Dumah...Zephon? You underestimate the Sarafan's resourcefulness. You will taste many casualties if you simply go in filled with Bloodlust."

"And again you overestimate the limits of your knowledge and intellectual capacity, brother," Turel responded, not at all pleased with Raziel's presence.

"The Seraphan are not present in this fortress. It is merely a force of vampire hunters, but still we do not underestimate them. Hence, the plan is thus: Come nightfall Turelim forces attack the southern parapets whilst Dumahim attacks the northern parapets. Both these attacks, while still large in numbers and a threat in their own right, are diversionary. Under he shroud of darkness, Zephon here and some of his men will sneak into the fortress, climbing the walls and entering through the balcony overheard the main entrance.

"Once inside, they will find a way to open the main gates. Once this is done, the true attack, a combined force of Turelim and Dumahim, led by myself and my esteemed brother Dumah, will move in. With the entrance open, the human fortress is as good as ours. Eliminating any resistance will merely be a formality."

Smiling darkly, Turel stared at Raziel a moment longer before turning and leaving the confines of the tent, uttering one last phrase before disappearing from sight.

"We shall soon see who the greater leader is, brother..."

"That we shall..."

Raziel grinned and walked over to Zephon.

"After you make your way over the balconies take the uppermost parts of the fortress. Archers will easily pick of the troops from below if you don't. "

Raziel then turned over to Dumah.

"I'm sure you're all pumped and ready to roll are you not? As well you should be. Your success tonight does not depend on the strength of your frontal assault. Even you can see this I'm sure. Turel would have you charge blindly to your end, of course you being who you are, thinking you're unbeatable and so on...I don't guess it matters one way or the other now does it?"

Raziel exited the opposite end of the tent. He was merely a watcher tonight...at first, but the Razielim had other plans entirely from what the other clans knew of.

"Cant wait to do this, just to show you who the leading vampire should be! If i wasnt here you would never be able to do this"

Zephon walks to the entrance of the tent and looks outside into the darkness.

"Its nearlly time"

Zephon watches as Turel exits the tent, then swings round to face Dumah.

"Maybe we should just go now, Brother, We can do this alone and then get the praise from the lord kain him self"

Zephon scowls at Dumah.

"I know we have our diffrences but maybe we should do this together, just for the lord kain and spite of Turel"

* * * * *

"Lord Turel," a voice from behind Turel spoke out to him as the sun began to set.

"What is it?" Turel asked, addressing the soldier over his shoulder.

"We have found this female and taken her captive in the name of Kain."

At the mention of the word captive, Turel turned. Two of his legionaires held the woman, who struggled in their grip futilely.

"Bring her to my tent," Turel ordered, making his towards his own tent.

Though she struggled with all her might, she could not break free of the grip of the two beasts that held her in their tight, painful grip.

"Let me go!!" she yelled and kicked...giving off as much of a fight as she could, but it was useless.

As they reached the tent, the two legionaires threw her in through the opened tent flaps and then turned and left.

Anise landed hard and she pushed herself up off the ground into a sitting position when she caught sight of Turel.

"What do you want with me?" She asked in a frightened tone, her voice quivering.

"Your name, human," Turel demanded, his hand rested on the hilt of his blade.

"Then we can discuss more entertaining matters..."

Anise, still sitting the ground, backed up against the side of the tent.

"My name...my name is Anise. What do you want with me?"

"I seek information," Turel replied.

"Tell me, now, the defences contained herein the Stronghold. Their numbers. How many soldiers...any of the pitiful Seraphan...speak now, Anise."

Finishing with a smirk, Turel thought the final portion of his demands.

While you still can.

Anise turned her gaze away from Turel to the ground.

"I don't know. There are many a great worriors within the stronghold, but I am not a warrior or a stragtegist. I am merely a medic, I know not such things of what you ask." 

"You are no longer a medic, human," Turel hissed back.

"You are a slave to Kain's empire. Serve willingly or no, I do not care. You shall be among those I enslave alongside my brothers.

"Are there Seraphan? Surely you know of their presence, it is hard not to notice their loutish selves."

* * * * *

"Maybe brother maybe... I will consider it but we shall have to wait until night time when our forces will be at their strongest. Now I have plans to prepare and axes to sharpen." answered Dumah as he strode from the tent.

Walking amongst the troops Dumah knew their confidence was high, how could it not be? They were the Dumahim, children of Kain one and all and when night falls they would taste the blood of the humans.

When Dumah had finished preparing himself he emerged from his tent fully armoured for battle clutching Havoc and Malice, his personal battle axes.

Dumah strode to the centre of his men and began shouting...

"Come my brethen, the time is nearly upon us, for soon we shall drink the blood of the human vampire hunters and the sarafan knights themsleves, we shall reap the glories that are sure to follow when we present this fortress to Kain, we shall be elevated to first among Kain's children, come now brethern we march to war, we have no need for the others let us go now."

When Dumah finished speaking, the assembled Dumahim began cheering and chanting their battle crys and began preparations to attacki the two southern towers as per the plan of attack with or without the other vampire clans...

Dumah marched to the head of his lines and raised Havoc high into the air and shouted.... "ATTACK!  SPARE NO ONE." as he launched himself at the Sarafan fortress.

* * * * *

"He did what?!" Turel barked at the reporting vampire.

"Dumah has launched his attack now," came the answer.

"Damn his bastardlike arrogance! Assemble the troops. Inform Zephon to commence his assault an hour into the attack.

Looking at Anise, Turel snarled while gesturing to an unseen soldier, who grabbed her forcefully and hauled her to her feet.

"Take her to the other slaves," He ordered.

"I will deal with you, girl, once we have slaughtered everyone in this Stronghold!"

* * * * *

Dead.

Five massive beasts of war. All dead, along with their masters. Thanks to stealth and cunning, the elite forces of the Razielim had decemated the humans last line of defense. Raziel gathered around his soldiers and spoke to them in a hurried fashion.

"Make haste. We exit before the rest of the forces show up. The others can handle things fine from here, I will follow shortly."

With that, the other members of the Razielim, much to their dismay left their Lord behind. He was prone to doing such things, but such was Raziel, and they would not dare defy his word. The Lord of the Razielim stood atop one of the mighty beasts and withdrew a sword from it, hooked and curved made of spectral elements. He attatched it to his back and made his way deeper still within the stronghold. There was one more thing he needed to retrieve before his silent exit.

His next destination, the main hall.

* * * * *

A vampire come into tent which know only contains Zephon.

"Turel's orders are to lead your clan to attack in a hour, commander"

"Ok..."

The vampires leaves the tent followed by Zephon. Zephon walks over to his army who are Sharpening Swords and spears.

"Zephonim, Your time is near!"

Zephon raises his swords into the air.

"In the hour we are to strike our attack, Leave no warrior alive! and leave no person beaten!"

Zephonim army starts chanting and shaking there weapons in the air. Zephon Walks in the middle of the amry infront of them and crouches watching the Army of Dumah charge into the castle.

"When i say ATTACK""

* * * * *

Surveying his artillery pound the towers continously, bathing them in fire, Turel had decreed the time had come.

~Zephon, commence your assault. Do not draw attention to yourself. Once the gate is opened, await our forces before pressing on. Do not disobey me as Dumah did.~ Turel sent to Zephon telepathically.

Drawing his sword, Turel gathered his best troops and headed towards the main assault force assembling by the gates .

* * * * *

Anise struggled once more, but she knew it was futile. The vampire had no regard to the pain he was currently inflicting on her, and she knew that was to be expected.

Things were certainly looking bleak and she was nearly on the verge of tears. "My husband will have your head for this you bastard!" she yelled at the vampire who was escorting her to the other slaves, though her voice was shaky and weak. The vampire just sneered as he grabbed her by her hair, jerking her head back and then throwing in with the other slaves.

II.  The Assault on the Gate

Fire rained down on the hapless defenders and their fortifications as the artillery of the vampire legions bombarded select points on the wall. Even outside the main gate, out of range of the human arrows, Turel could hear the sweet musical sound of humans burning, screaming in agony.

Then, he flinched as pain seared into his shoulder. Looking at it, he saw an arrow protruding from it.

"Hnnn..." he muttered, pulling the arrow out and continuing to inspect his assault force that now awaited Zephon's cadre to open the gates.

"Soon, Sons of Kain, we shall feast upon the enemy hiding inside these walls!" he yelled, drawing his sword, fire dancing upon its edge.

"For Kain! For the Empire!"

All around, his warriors echoed these very words, beating their weapons into the ground or off their armor. Turel smiled inwardly

The final battle for this accursed stronghold had begun.

And once this falls, soon hereafter I will deliver a mighty gift to the Master...and I shall be favored among his sons.

* * * * *

Dumah swatted aside yet another foolsih human who dared to fight him before continuing on his march towards the northern tower. Above him his artillery was pounding the walls... soon a breach would be made... then the slaughter would begin...

Dumah stopped momentariy and surveyed the field... Turel had begun his attack... about time he joined in... the other pup should be scaling the walls by now... Dumah dislkied the trickery of this plan, a straight forward assault was always preferrable to Dumah..

Seeing the human cavarly surge out from the northern gate towards his right flank in an attempt to stem the tide of battle, Dumah raised his axes high above his head and charged into the midst of the cavarly.... no-one will stop his conquest tonight...no-one...

* * * * *

"Ok! You know the plan! Rip away the archers defense and open the gate to let lose the massercre"

Zephon launched his sword out infront of him signalling to move in, and all the Vampires lead by Zephon strived quitely towards the walls of the castle.
Zephonim Vampires climb up the walls of the castle and climb onto the top leadge where archers are firing down at Dumahs clan and Turel's.
Zephon launched himself up onto the ledge where the archers are and his and all the vampires charged into the archers ripping them with the Claws and weapons.
The Large wooden Circle wooden object guarded by 4 soilders is the Key to opening the gate. and Zephon and 4 vampires step up to them and start to battle with them. Zephon grabs one of the warriors and bites into his neck sucking his blood, he stops and throws the body to the ground.

"Turn that wheel round, and let the massercre begin!"

There 4 vampires turn the wheel and the gate starts to rise.

* * * * *

Watching the gate open slowly and the cavalry charge at the same time, Turel ordered his force divided into two detachments.

One he ordered to flank the cavalry, while the other he led himself.

"Into the gates!"

Shouting at the humans as he charged, his feral howl filled the night air.

"Prepare for extermination!"

* * * * *

Thrity three, thirty four...thirty five. The human knights kept charging the Lord of the Razielim, and they kept dying. The numbers reached the mid sixties when they finally stopped...the blood bath induced by Raziel layed wake within the stronghold. Whether or not the Vampyric forces came through this area was merely by decision of their own will. Raziel had reached what he came for.

The Jewel of the Sarafan. A precious Jewel, all of its impurities cut away to form a massive goblet. It stood alone at the end of a cathedral like hall. Raziel stepped past the many that had fallen before his might, and placed his spectral weapon on his back.

As he drew close, two heavily clad knights in oversized armor stepped out from behind two pillars blocking the way to the Goblet.

"Beast, you shall go no further today." One of them said.

"Here is where you will die Vampire." The other suggested.

Raziel stretched his claws out and sighed before speaking. He noted within the room there were many weapons of war, as well as an enormous fireplace crackling with intense heat.

"I'm being threatened by two tin men, oh my you've both really got me shaking out of my wits. But on the other hand, I am a bit hungry, haven't fed all day. What do you say a crack open those cans your in and see what kind of meat we have inside?"

Raziel jumped and rushed them with Vampyric like speed. The first heavily clad knight swung a longsword at Raziel, but found it to slow as he had missed. The other knight could only watch as Raziel hopped up on his compatriots shoulders and ripped off his helmet...thoroughly digging his claws down into the knights face and head, and dealing death to him.

"Mmmm tastes a bit bland, not enough sodium in his diet. I bet you taste better though." Raziel said, licking the brain matter and blood off of his claws.

The other knight charged Raziel in a stabbing fashion. Raziel used his dexterity to jump above the man and kick him backwards as he passed underneath, into the waiting enormous fireplace. Inside the human fell, and could not get up. There he burned, within his own steel armor, screaming in agony while being cooked alive.

"Hm, I suppose I'll be feeding later. I'm not much for cooking anyways."

The Lord of the Razielim took the Goblet from its place, marveling at its beauty for but a moment, then began walking out the way he came in...the halls coated in the blood of the Sarafan.

* * * * *

The scene outside teh gates was nothing short of sheer anarchy. The human warriors poured out of the gates and into their hated enemy, determined not to let them inside the hallowed stronghold.

As if they had a choice in the matter.

In the thick of hte fighting, commanding his troops forward was Turel, his sword ablaze and covered in blood. Every time his sword rose and fell, another human had fallen beneath him. He had already lost count of the number of dead collected at his feet, bu he knew that there was more to come. His warriors would feast well tonight.

"For Kain!" he roared over the din of battle, just as he swung his blade and decapitated two hunters in one swoop. Grabbing a third in his free hand, he dug his claws into the man's skull, crushing it as easily as one would crush and eggshell.

* * * * *

Zephon drops the body of the archer to the floor while looking up at 2 knights in full body armor.

"Let us shut the gate or death to you beast!"
Shouted the Knight in the huge tin armor

"it takes you all that metal to keep you safe from us beasts"
Zephon replyed in a sarcastic voice.

One of the knights swing there sword behind there head and charge at Zephon shouting die!
Zephon swings round behind the knight and jumps on his back tugging on his helmet, the helmet comes off and Zephon digs his claws into the humans neck then sucking the blood through the holes.
He drops the body then the other knight gets ready to fight taking a fighting stance with his sword.
Zephon turns to a vampire behind him and shouts at him.

"Pass me my Sword!"

The vampire passes the sword to Zephon and Zephon takes a offensive stance walking towards the Knight. The knight swings for zephon and zephon ducks and swings the sword into the knights chest creating a big dent. The knight steps back then charges at Zephon un-expectingly knocking him down, Zephon pushes him self up and kicks the knight in the chest then swings the sword into the mans helmet, a strings of blood falls from under the knights helmet and runs down the armor. Zephon walks up to the knights and stabs the sword under the helmet into the knights neck then turns quickly as other archers and soilders turn up to fight.

* * * * *

Anise watched the horror take place down below and she found herself unable to breathe. Her fists clenched tightly around the barrier that kept her from escaping. Blood trickled down from inbetween her fingers, and burning tears trickled down her cheeks.

Somewhere down there, amidst the chaos was Kodie, her husband, the father of her two young children, and the love of her life. He was a vampire hunter and she had been present before when battles had taken place, but this was different. Never before had she seen so many of these creatures lay asault upon her people, and so few of them.

* * * * *

Sparing a glance, Turel noted Dumah's forces holding firm, and now beginning to turn back the enemy cavalry. He could even make out Dumah, largest of Vampires, bearing his mighty axes Havoc and Malice, relishing in the carnage, where he was happiest: in the thick of it.

Suddenly, another human stepped forth to challenge him. Had the warrior not born armor and a cape unusual for any normal hunter, Turel would not have given him much credit.

"Your war ends tonight, vampire!" he yelled, bringing his sword to bear.

"Why should I waste my time slaying you? Tell me, and I may give you the honor of dying at my hands."

"I am Abel, a commander of this army." His eyes narrowed. "And I know who you are, Lieutenant."

"Then with the formalities concluded," Turel spoke, "you may die, knowing you died at the hands of a Son of Kain."

Abel charged, swinging his sword at Turel. Sidestepping, Turel blocked the blow with his own blade, the fire eminating from it melting the sword. Abel was smart: he pulled away before his sword was rendered useless.

There was to be no respite for him however. Turel pressed the advantage, striking at Abel with intense speed, his blows melting and scorching the mans armor. Then, the unexpected happened.

Bellowing, Abel caught Turel in the ribs with his blade, cutting the Lieutenant deep. Stepping back, Turel parried the onslaught his opponent unleashed, waiting...waiting...

He waited for a long moment more, and then the wound was healed, for such was the supernatural powers of a Lieutenant that thier physical wounds healed almost as soon as they were cleaved. His eyes glowing, Turel knocked Abel back a few meters with a telekinetic blast.

Getting to his knees, Bale watched in horror at teh now healed wound. He stood again to face Turel, his sword at the ready. Closing the distance, Turel swung viciously, but not at the man; his target was the sword. Using his vampiric speed to his advantage, He caught the blade, the heat and force of his strike cleaving the blade in two.

Abel had no time to register what had happened. Knocking his sword arm aside, Turel reached out with his free hand, digging his claws into a weakened part of the armor, caused earlier by his sword, over the heart, his claws breaking through teh armor, flesh and bone.

Squeezing the life force of the human, looking into his eyes coldly, Turel ripped the heart out of his chest, holding it aloft in front of Abel, who gazed at it lifeless for a moment before crashing to the ground.

Throwing the heart to the floor in contempt, Turel raised his hand outwards towards teh corpse, drawing the blood from its pores and into his mouth, drinking deep the blood of his vanquished foe.

Around him, the soldiers under Abel's command witness this with horror before choosing flight, yelling "To the keep!"

Pointing at the doors, opened in front of them, Turel bellowed to his warriors:

"Their defences are broken! Let the slaughter begin!"

* * * * *

Emerging from deep within, Raziel stood in the archway, with hopes of slipping out unnoticed.

"To the keep!"

That was all he heard, then a rush of humans heading towards him. So many of them...should he stay to deliver more bloodshed? Or should he make a hasty exit and allow the Vampyric forces to engage as they were more than able to...

he had a better Idea.

Stepping back a few feet, he slashed an iron chain with his claws, and locked the men out of their own stronghold. The doors that they had opened remained as such, but now a thick iron gate blocked them from entry. Now they were sitting ducks, in wait of the inevitable. One man peered through the gate, yelling specifically at Raziel.

"You unnatural bastard...If I could get in there I'd rip you apart!!!"

"Pity, looks like you'll have to be content with being impaled on a stick or something. Be patient though, who knows you may be lucky enough to become food for the immortals, your masters."

A slew of obseneties flowed out from the man, followed by a few obscene hand movements. Raziel rolled his eyes sheepishly and began strolling back inside. He needed to find another way out, perhaps through the uppermost parts of the keep. Just as he was leaving...he could feel Turel drawing near...he looked back outside the gate in hopes of exchanging a glance, just for a moment.

* * * * *

"What in the name of Kain!" Turel barked, watching the iron gate close. Another obstacle that Zephon would have to deal with, and he sent a telepathic message informing him ot do just that.

As he waded into the fray, Turel saw a solitary figure stand behind the gate. he knew those features well, as he did that clan banner.

"Raziel...you little bastard..."

III.  The Slave and the Lieutenant

A small grin crept over Raziel's face as he dissapeared into the keep once again. Turel should be thanking him later, but that was doubtful.

Raziel back tracked past the bloodied halls he had laid his wake within and climbed to the uppermost parts of the Keep. He was close to the top, he could sense Zephon doing his handywork. Raziel emerged above and took another glance at the Jewel he'd procured.

"One step closer..."

Raziel winked at Zephon as he ran past, and made a terrific leap through the air to the outside of the fortress. Landing safely and unnoticed, he made his way back through the camp. One thing caught his eye however...a woman. Locked away for pleasure no doubt, a casualty. Raziel stepped close and sniffed around her...she smelt good, not like the gore and violence taking place below.

"Scared?" he asked her.

Her lower lip was already trembling and when she saw the Vampire approaching she wasn't sure how to react. She knew sympathy wasn't an attribute to their kind though, so it would be folly to cry and beg for mercy or freedom. Instead she bit her tongue to steady her near emotional breakdown and shook her head. Though her shaky voice was a dead give away, "I am not scared I know the holy warriors will prevail."

"Oh, I am truly sorry. I am afraid all the humans who are down there now will be killed, without mercy. You see I know my brothers too well, Turel and Dumah both have enough bloodlust to wipe the earth clean of humans on their own. Of that I can assure you. "

He stepped closer still.

"I know you are afraid, you need not say it...I know the smell of fear. I've been around long enough to know it. Would...would you like to be free?"

Anise eyed the creature up and down, she couldn't trust him with any fiber of her being.

"Even if I said yes you would more than likely get some sick pleasure from denying me my freedom. Or you would turn it into some sick game where I would run, and then you would just hunt me down and kill me."

"Ask it of me...and find out."

Raziel slowly reached his claw into the cage, and lightly gripped the back of her head. Any more forceful, and he would tear through her porecelin like complection. Carefully he brought her closer to the outside of the cage, and began sniffing her neck.

"There's someone you love dying out there now, isn't there...Do you not lust after the mere thought of killing every one of we immortals? Can you not feel the satisfaction already of driving a stake through my heart human.

You will never know if you stay locked up in this cage. Ask it of me. Go on, ask."

Anise closed her eyes as the claw clasped around the back of her skull, and let out a small wimper as the creature drew her nearer.

“Whether or not I do have a loved one down there, it doesn’t matter. You don’t care either way, all that you wish to do is to destroy lives, drink blood, and taste flesh.”

Once again he asked her about desiring freedom. She could not deny that she greatly desired it, more so then she wanted to destroy the beasts that would no doubt kill her husband, and her children should they be found. Right then she knew she had to find them, and try her best to protect them.

“If it is as easy as asking for it, then I do. Would you grant me my freedom?”

Raziel released her head, then released her from her prison by shredding it with his claws.

"There. While it's true, I do love tasting flesh, drinking blood and the whole bit, I much prefer to see my dear brother squirm. He's quite a character, although I'm afraid he doesn't share my sense of humor or sarcastic nature.

You've been given another chance at life, I assure you if you make light of it by running down to whomever it is you wish to see again, down there amidst the bloodbath...you will not get another chance. Count yourself lucky human, the Lord of the Razielim...Raziel himself has smiled on you today."

Were he not a vampire Anise probably would have been kind, and in the least would have offered an appreciative smile. But the vampire got no such thing from her. He was indeed right that if she would attempt to go find Kodie, she would die.

Though he was Lord of the Razielim, she cared not of such titles she didn’t bow or show any respects, instead she looked back at him one last time as if she couldn’t fully trust him, and then she ran off in the opposite direction away from the battle that was ensuing below.

* * * * *

Smiling Raziel withdrew the Goblet again. It was pristeen, so perfect, yet another piece of the puzzle. Raziel bolted through the inside of the emptied Vampire camp and made his way over a hill. Soon he would return to the Razielim with his prize, and all the more closer to putting it all together.

"You fool!" a voice barked at Raziel. A slavedriver of the Turelim.

"You are a traitor to allow that human to flee!"

IV.  The Final Assault

Zephon got turels message then turned to Raziel who dived off the edge. Zephon smiled and called the Zephonim army to follow him.

"The great Zephonim's have to deal with anougher problem! FOLLOW"

Zephon raised his sword into the air and ran down the corridor towards the gate whichis shut down. Zephon and his armys dropped down and Zephon and a few vampires walked up to the gate where all the Humans are pushing trying to open it, The rest of Zephons army took on the few enemys around them.

"You filth!"
One of the humans shouted and Zephon grabed the face of the human through the bars and crushed his face against the gate, crushing his skull. Zephon dropped the body and called his Vampires to get the barrels which wer at side by the gate.
Zephon went to lift the gate but couldnt so 4 other of the vampires came over and lifted the gate up as high as they could while sliding the barrels under holding the gate up. A few of the Humans got out under the gate and Zephon and his armys slayed them, then sucking there blood while Turel was on the other side of the gate.

* * * * *

Pointing to the now open gates, Turel bellowed to his great and righteous warriors.

"Leave none alive! Bathe their self righteous selves in their own blood! For Kain!"

For my ascent to power... Turel mentally added, charging towards the gate.

Four humans barred his way. Four times he swung his sword. Four humans who were stupid enough to oppose him fell.

"We shall feast on their corpses, my Clan! Kill them all! NO MERCY!"

* * * * *

Dumah stood upon a small rock outcrop over looking the entrance to the fortress, behind him were his most trusted lieutenants and his bodyguards, they shall be the first of the Dumahim to enter the fortress, it is their right as kin of Dumah..

Turning to his right Dumah saw the last of the human cavarly being cut down, had not their own leader been beheaded by Dumah himself no t10 minutes ago... hi scarcass no wdrained of blood and lying at the fott of the outcrop where it would now stay for eternity.

Turning to one of his lieutenants Dumah spoke..

"After we have won, have this spot marked as the part of the battleflied where the battle was won by me Dumah and my loyal lieutenants, we shall construct a monument here for all to see, but until that time there are Sarafan to kill.... forward brothers to the slaughter."

Dumah turned and led the final charge of the Dumahim upon the now open gates of the Sarafan Fortress. Any and all humans who got in the way were crushed beneath the twin blows of Havoc and Malice, Dumahs war axes, soon Dumah was at the gates.... soon it would all be over.

Turning to see Turel at the entrance Dumah walked over towards him, killing 6 human soldiers as he went and shouted to his brother.

"It is good to see that you also lead from the fron tbrother, come there is much blood to spill."

"Aye, Dumah," Turel replied, "I do indeed enjoy the slaughter.

"Come, let us finish this battle. I shall lead my forces into the western courtyard and surrounding area. You take the east. We shall meet again at the main hall. It will be the last area to be cleansed."

"Yes brother but I go east only because I choose to, it is where the strongest humans yet lie... to BATTLE." shouted Dumah as he charged into the midst of the fray. 

Arrogant bastard.

Turel signalled his men forward, leading the charge into the fortress, cutting down humans with sword and claw as he moved deeper inside, coating the hallowed Stronghold in the blood of its protectors.

* * * * *

Dumah watched as hi slieutenants finished off the last of the human resistance in the armoury... these humans were pathetic, Dumah himself personnely slew dozens of them.

Turning to one of his lieutenants Dumah spoke..

"Come, maybe we will find better prey further in, this mercenary scum wasn't worth our time.."

* * * * *

His sword burning with white hot fire, Turel, Lord of the Turelim, Lieutenant and son of Kain Himself, and a god among men, strode through the corridor, a trail of corpses behind him and his personal bodyguard.

Striding out into the courtyrad, he bore witness to a laughable sight. A small band of vampire hunters stood there to oppose them.

"You shall not pass, Vampire!" one barked.

"As if you mortals can stop me from doing whatever I desire," Turel spat back, bringing his sword upwards.

Sidestepping the first human's attack, Turel drove his claws into the man's face, easily breaking through flesh and bone, crushing the skull easily. Before he could pull away, however, another hunter was upon him, Swinging his halberd in a downward arc.

Lashing out, Turel cut straight through the shaft, splitting the halberd in two. The head fell harmlessly to the ground as Turel swung back, decapitating the mortal as he pulled his hand from the other's head.

Around him, his entourage fought the rest of the hunters. He noted with displeasure as three of his men fell, and leaped at two more humans, striking them down in one fell swoop of his blade.

The fight did not last much longer. Soon, Turel and his vampires stood alone in the courtyard, the bodies of fourteen humans and three vampires at their feet.

Sword in hand, and victory in sight, Turel strode on. Kain's favor was as good as his.

* * * * *

Striding into the main hall at last, the statue of Moebius bearing Vorador's head near the centre, Turel was elated with triumph. They had reached teh heart of the Stronghold. The battle was as good as won.

Ahead, he saw those who dared oppose him. Moving towards his small bodyguard, comprising of four Turelim elites, were eight vampire hunters, and amidst there number...

"Seraphan," Turel spat, watching the pair move towards him.

"This is the end for you, monster," one barked.

"Oh really?" Turel replied. "What you see as my end, I see as the beginning of Mankind's annihilation. Die with some dignity...which is more than your other comrades, I must say."

A moment of silence endured, then the two forces clashed.

* * * * *

Zephonim army joined in with the battle, Two knights came up to Zephon and challenged him, Two zephonim vampires jumped out infront of Zephon to protect him but the knights swung there swords at the vampires and cut them open, the vampires fell down to the floor to show Zephon just standing there.

"He he, think thats good?"

Zephon run towards the castle wall and quickly climbs up it, then jumps of onto one of the knights sholders, Zephon pulled his sword of his back and ledged it into the knights neck the gap between the knights helmet and his chest armor. the knight fell to the floor and Zephon jumped off circling round the other knight.
Zephon launched himself at the knight knocking the knight onto his back. Zephon pulls the helmet of the knight to see a worried face of the warrior crying under-neath. Zephon looks at the warrior disgusted and launches his two clawas on ones of his hands into the Warriors face killing him instantly.
Zephon jumps off and starts to fight all the other vampire hunters.

* * * * *

The final conflict was intense. Spying Dumah and his kin barging through the opposite end of the hall and engaging the few remaining humans there, Turel devoted his attention to those ahead.

He faced both Seraphan alone. The honor of killing them would fall to him. His clansmen engaged the vampire hunters around them.

The battle between Lieutenant and Seraphan was intense and powerful. Neither knight was willing to give up and fought to the last breath, and Turel was in no mood to die today.

In the end, there could be only one victor. And this day the fates favored the Lieutenant Turel. Driving his blade into the last remaining Seraphan, the wounds on his body beginning to heal only now - such was the severity of them, though not enough to cripple him - he took delight in the gargled scream that came from the knight's lips.

Turning, he saw three of his Turelim standing amidst a pile of corpses. They had defeated their enemy. It was over.

V.  The Aftermath

Striding into the main hall Dumah witnessed his fellow brother Turel slay th elast remaining Sarafan Knights..

WAlking over to Turel Dumah grabbed him in a big grasp of congragulations... "Well done brother, it seems this place has fallen to our forces. So do you think we should have a little look around for the rumoured second reaver... the legends may be true..."

"Should those rumors be found true," Turel replied, smiling a cruel smile (to a mortal at least - to a vampire its a generous smile) whilst grasping Dumahs shoulder to complete the congratulatory grasp, "it should be you, Dumah the mighty, who should deliver it unto Kain. I would love to assist you in this endeavor, but I must report our victory to Kain quickly, so He may give us new lands to conquer in His name!"

Stepping back, Turel grinned again.

"I shall inform Him of your efforts. Bring that banner..." Turel pointed to a large banner of the Seraphan hanging over the main hall, "...to Kain upon your return to the Sanctuary. It shall be you who delivers this stronghold to Kain, as is your well earned right. Fare thee well, my brother."

Then, Turel turned and left the hall, ordering his underlings make ready his legion to march. At last he would be returning home...

* * * * *

Dumah turned to his second in command Typhus and detailed his plans.. "You will hold 1000 troops here and secure this fortress in the name of the Dumahim, more troops will be sent when they are available, but for now I must take the bulk of our forces here in the south and head north, it seems that our brother vampires from the Rahabim there have failed and now the city of corhagen is threatened, Khaine himself has ordered me to take command of the Northern front, all the more glory for the Dumahim.

Dumahim stopped and looked Typhus in the eyes before he continued.. "Know this, the fortres must be rebuilt and held for the glory of our clan, your commander will be Turrel but your allegiance is still to me, do our clan proud brother, now I go to fix others mistakes."

With that Dumah turned and strode from the tent and prepared for the journey to the north.
 

* * * * *

The Loss of the Sarafan Stronghold was a severe blow to the Humans, both militarily and morally.  Long had the stronghold been a simbol of hope and defiance against the Vampires, and now it was laid low, the banners of the Dumahim and of Kain's Empire now adorning the shattered battlements.  The Battle had been one of the largest battles fought in the War to date, with teh defenders rumoured to have been numbered at around seven thousand at the time of the final assault, half of which were Vampire Hunters - making the battle the single largest loss of life for that organisation in its history.  Arrayed against them, the numbers of all three Vampire legions combined was esimated to be between thirty and forty thousand, though many of these were familiars.  The Vampires were believed to have lost a quarter of their strength in the final conflict, while all but five hundred Humans survived, divided amongst the victorious Clans and marched back towards their homes as slaves.  The reasons for Turel allowing Dumah to hand over the Stronghold to Kain - effectively granting any rewards due because of it to his brother - are as yet unknown, but is is feared that Turel has other plans in mind.  Another mystery is what Raziel has planned for the goblet, one of many other items he has taken during the campaign.  One thing is known - the Vampires are plotting, and unless Humankind rallies and strikes back soon, all will be lost.