| For a year and a day Caine labored in service to a Crone,who with blood-wisdom,bound him as surely as any prisoner.She would visit him at night and force him to give up his blood for her secret elixers and potent formulas.She would take his Childer's Childer and they would never be heard from again.But Caine was wise.He did not drink from her ever again.And she did not ask him to,thinking he was ever in her Thrall.One night,Caine went to the Crone in the forest,and told her of terrible dreams that he had during his sleep."I fear for my life,Crone,I fear the Prophecy of Uriel,and my Children's lust for my blood.Tell me secret knowledge,that I might be powerful against my own." And the Crone went to a tree made of gopher wood,and broke off a limb.She took a sharp knife and sharpened the limb."Take this piece of living wood,sharp,strong,pierce the heart of your wayward childe.It will render him still,and yours to command.Instead of feasting on your heart's blood,he will feel the weight of your justice." Caine said "Thank you,Mother," and with that,moving in quick movements,Caine took the stake of gopher wood,seized it and drove it deep within the Crones heart.Because Caine had not fed upon her for a year and a day,and because he forced his will through his hand,he broke the Bond she held on him,and turned his fortune.She laughed again,as blood welled up and poured from her mouth.Her eyes poured out hate.Caine kissed her once,kissed her cold,withered lips,and left her there to Raphael's gentle smile:the sun that rises. |
