Chronicles of The Sapphire Dominion: Carter Hart

After fifty years of traveling the world, this was the first time he ever interviewed. Down the road ahead of him were a group of bandits that were beating a merchant to death and robbing his caravan. Not wanting to draw attention to himself the traveler walked by and pretended not to notice” Just keep walking, it’s not your concern” one of the bandits said and so the wanderer did. As soon as he took another step there were screams coming from inside the caravan, it was the merchant’s wife. The bandits continued to beat the merchant as the leader went to rape the wife. The screams and the smell of blood were too much for the traveler to ignore. He could also smell the merchant’s wife was in the early stages of pregnancy do he had to help her. The traveler turned around, quiet and swift as death he began killing every bandit, leaving their leader for last. Inside the caravan, the bandit leader was trying to have his way with the merchant’s wife. She was bruised and her clothes were tattered. Suddenly the leader realized the sound of silence. He stepped outside to see what happened to his men, all that was left was the formally beaten merchant that was now patched up but unconscious. His men all laid dead; some were disemboweled while others had their throats slit. Blood was everywhere.

The night came, it was a perfect cover for the traveler, who sat high up in the tree watching his prey down below, listening to the sound of his heart pound in fear like a drum. The bandit tried to maintain his fear, pulled out his crossbow, and threatened to put an end to the unconscious merchant. “Come out whoever you are. I don’t have time for fools.” Rain started to pour, putting out his lantern, along with thunder and lightning as loud as cannon fire. The bandit couldn’t see two feet in front of him with the night being black as tar. Soon after the storm approached, there was an intense fog that followed. Finally, there was a bone-chilling roar that sounded like it came from all directions of the area. Engulfed with pure terror he let out a deafening shriek, WHERE ARE YOU…SHOW YOURSELF.” Seconds later the wanderer leaped from his position in the trees onto the top of the caravan. “I’m here, the traveler said with an eerie growl. The rain and fog did not help the bandit to see the killer of his men very well. Only a single flash of lightning revealed the traveler’s appearance. All that was seen were the glowing eyes under the hood of a long-tattered cloak with the iron smell of blood.

What are you? “I’m your death.” The bandit let loose another scream, please don’t kill me. The traveler growled, why shouldn’t I? You ordered your men to beat this merchant to death while you raped his wife, isn’t that correct? The bandit didn’t say anything, he knew that death would soon follow if he were to run but that did not stop him. The bandit saw guards with lanterns at the entrance of a nearby town. Safety was within his reach, almost there, I can make it he thought. Suddenly his world began to rotate and there was a thud along with heavy footsteps. The bandit had realized that it was his own body continuing to run toward the town’s guards. That was the last thing he saw.

As the guards’ screams woke half the town, the traveler returned to the merchant to ensure there were no patrols or reinforcements. The merchant was now awakened and screamed, is my wife, the traveled said don’t try to speak just yet. Your wife is out of harm’s way but I think she’ll be alright once she knows you’re better. The traveler placed the merchant back in the caravan His wife was still in shock but at the sight of her husband being alive, the two embraced one another and slept through the night.

Morning came and the traveler gathered his belongings and proceeded to move on. Wait, the merchant stepped down from the caravan, I hoped to thank you properly before you left. I woke up just in time. The traveler was a little surprised by the merchant’s condition. Although

he was still slightly bruised it was better than the night before. It’s nice to see that you are doing better, is your wife alright? The merchant sighed deeply, she’s still shaken up from what happened but we’re both overjoyed to still have one another and that you saved us. The merchant wiped away his tears and cleared his voice. Please let us express our gratitude. The traveler agreed. The merchant went inside the caravan and came out with a case. He explained around ten years ago there was a mage who sold me this case. She said to give this to someone who saved me and a loved one from death. I guess that person is you. The merchant opened the case revealing a bastard sword with a blade dark as night, sharpened to the point it was no longer dull. It was forged in dragon's flame and imbued with powerful magic. Inside the case was also an instruction card telling how to complete the bonding process. The traveler smiled and thanked the merchant. Before I can accept this wonderful blade, I must know your name. Mine is Carter Hart. He took off his bloodied cloak revealing his appearance. He was around six feet tall with unshaven dark skin, short hair and handsome features, and bright red eyes. Forgive me, it’s nice to meet you, Carter, my name is Jasper Creed. My wife’s name is Maria. Thank you for the new sword, Jasper, I’ll make sure to use it well. You’re quite welcome my new friend, it’s the least I could do for what you did to save my wife and I. They shook hands biding each other farewell. Jasper shouted if you ever want to find me look for our shop. It’s called Creeds Emporium.

Later that day Carter unsheathed his new weapon and followed the instructions enlisted on the card which read: If someone wishes to possess the full power of this weapon, they must first offer a portion of their own blood forever bonding the weapon to its one and only master. Lastly give the weapon a name, something to call upon at any given moment. Carter followed both instructions using the sword itself for the first rule. His blood absorbed into the sword glowed a dark blue light and began to levitate in front of him. Following the second instruction, Carter firmly gripped the handle and said, as your one and only master I hereby name you Eclipse. After completing the instructions Eclipse sheathed itself and disappeared. This did not worry Carter as he and Eclipse were now connected, and he could feel its presence.

The remainder of the day Carter trained with Eclipse until time to camp for the night, tomorrow was a new day.

Another morning had come but it didn’t start off well. Hmm, first thing in the morning and there is a battle ax and an arrowhead in my face. The two partners had their weapons perfectly trained on Carter. The man had a rather stern look on his face while the woman looked slightly concerned, not by Carter but at what her partner might do. It was dawn and she was still just a bit tired. She was in no mood for a fight especially if she wasn’t fully prepared mentally or physically. Carter began to get up and stretch. Well, judging by those expressions, armor, and the fact that you’re a man and a woman traveling together, my guess is that the two of you are from the Sun and Moon guild, or am I wrong? The man grew frustrated and kept his ax trained on Carter. We have no intention of telling you anything about who we are. Then do you mind telling me what I did to end up on your radar? We heard that something terrible had happened two nights ago. Apparently, there were a group of bandits that were slaughtered on the road not too far from here. The next thing we have is you (Carter) a vampire, not too far from the scene a couple of days later. The man put down his travel bag, stretched, and took a stance. "Now, before you die, tell us the name of your maker and why you killed those men and I’ll try to give you a quick death." "Wait" the woman interjected, aren’t you going to let him explain what happened, maybe there was a good reason. You should listen to your friend here. And you should shut your damn mouth. The man turned to his partner. You say that he could have a good reason. Did you forget what we do? The woman sighed deeply then retrained her bow onto Carter. "No, I didn’t forget. I never do." Carter didn’t want to move too suddenly, "Well for starters I’m a natural-born so I do not have a maker. Also, if you think that I’m just going to take an enchanted battle-ax to the face, you have another thing coming". Carter and the two guild members stood there for a while. The man started the battle with a huge swing, nearly missing Carter’s head. Trying to escape quickly Carter began to fly away and lose them for a moment. The man grabbed a chain and hook from his wrist, twirled, and threw it at Carter. The chain began to extend following Carter as he moved through the sky and the closed triple-sided hook pierced completely through the center of his heart. The man pulled downward and Carter began to fall quickly from the sky. The impact made a small crater in the ground. The two hunters ran toward Carter as fast as they could and they were lucky. Carter was still dead for the moment. The man sat him up as the woman wrapped him in an enchanted chain and laid him down. The woman unleashed a glowing orb from her satchel and said “return to headquarters.” As the ground began to shake the woman lifted Carter's body up, the man touched her and suddenly they were transported to the headquarters of the Orders of the Sun & Moon. It was an enormous castle located in an isolated forest. The man and woman bought him into the castle. Its grand hall was nearly filled due to the sight of their return. The grand commanders approached with two instructors. "Report" they said. The male hunter stepped forward. We investigated the town, there we found remains of a group of bandits slaughtered not too far from the entrance. A mile from there we found this monster. The woman stepped forward with Carter's body and presented it. She then added something else. “Grand commanders before we kill him, this vampire said that there was a reason for killing – “A reason!” one of the instructors interrupted. A monster has no reason for killing, even bandits. Now secure him in a dungeon cell capable of holding him.” When he wakes up, I imagine he won’t be too happy. After that return to your rooms and rets up.”

Two days passed since Carter was captured by the two hunters of the Sun & Moon. He was kept in the strongest cell, suspended by chains in the center of the room and under constant surveillance. His heart had regenerated but he was still left weak and unconscious. Another day passed by and Carter began to wake up. There were some unfamiliar faces watching his every move, except for the two that bought him there. One of the hunters approached with a dagger, it had an inscription in a language unknown to him. The hunter that approached was a woman who looked like she had seen many battles and been in twice as many. Her name was Eleanor. She was the female grand commander of the guild. Behind her was Benjamin the male grand commander. The two hunters beside Benjamin were named Jason and Maria. Eleanor decided that she would personally interrogate Carter. Benjamin was there for support and the other two wanted to watch. Carter examined his cell closely, trying to find an escape route. Eleanor noticed this and smiled a little. “There is no way out of here, and even if you were to break out of those chains, you’d have to get past all of us. I think you’re too weak for that right now and I’d like to keep you that way. At least until we find some way to kill you permanently.” She took a step stool up to Carter, gripped her dagger, and drove it into his neck. As Carter bled out, he unleashed an amount of bloodlust so high that every creature within a seventy-mile radius could feel it, and then he fell unconscious again. Everyone close except for the grand commanders fell unconscious. Both Eleanor and Benjamin's noses began to fiercely bleed, Benjamin was struggling to stand. “Eleanor are you alright?” Eleanor was on her hands and knees trying to catch her breath. “I haven’t felt something that intense since our first encounter with that high-born vampire all those years ago.” Benjamin shook off his dizziness, “my thoughts exactly, but that felt much different Eleanor stood up, dusting herself off “different how?” she said. Benjamin walked closer to Carter's body and stared for a moment. “All those years ago, we stumbled across something that we shouldn’t have. Back then, it was like something told us to leave and never return. This was much more animalistic, more blood lust towards everyone here.” A sudden rush of curiosity coursed throughout Eleanor’s body. “Ben, we can’t let him escape. We must keep him in a weakened state for as long as possible. We must warn everyone that he’s very dangerous and should only be approached by the two of us.

The day went on and Eleanor’s curiosity wouldn’t lower. She demanded answers but couldn’t get them now. The next morning Eleanor went to Carter’s cell alone with her weapons. “Open it” she told the guards “And don’t let anyone in behind me unless it’s the grand commander Benjamin” “yes mam” the guards responded. At first, Eleanor thought she entered the wrong cell. Carter’s face was sunken in, it was as if he’d started to mummify. The bloodstain on the former neck wound was enough confirmation for Eleanor, that she was looking at Carter. Seeing that he wasn’t a threat at the moment Eleanor sat down and waited. Carter used some of his remaining energy to open his eyes halfway and muttered a few words. “I need blood”. Eleanor was surprised by what she saw. “What are you?’ Eleanor suddenly left and five minutes later she returned with some tools. She took a step ladder up to Carter and lifted his upper lip showing his teeth. Eleanor could she two sets of fangs. “That’s more than any vampire or werewolf should have in human form,” she thought to herself. Examining Carter further. Eleanor unchained his nearly mummified body and strapped him down on a table, double-checking every restraint

At the start of Carter's examination, Eleanor leaned over and listened to Carter’s faint heartbeat. This was just enough time; Carter reached for Eleanor’s head and sank his fangs deep into her neck draining the life from her but stopped short and let her fall to the floor. Almost immediately Carter was completely healed with strength returning and freed himself. Eleanor was unconscious and losing blood. Carter tore off a scrap of Eleanor’s shirt and wrapped it around her neck. “Can’t have you dying just yet, especially since you are half-elf. That would make the vampires look worse toward the elves. Farewell.”

In the main hall was a commander lecturing a group of recruits when a loud boom came from the dungeon cells. First, to arrive were the guards, followed shortly by Benjamin who ran to Eleanor‘s side. “Eleanor, what happened here, are you alright? Eleanor barely conscious from blood loss said “he didn’t kill me. He could’ve but didn’t, but he did drink from me.” Benjamin reached for a flask on his belt containing healing properties and gave it to Eleanor. “You were right Ben,” Eleanor said, “he is different.” Benjamin slowly helped Eleanor up. “What have you learned?” Eleanor regained her posture and looked around at the room full of guards and recruits

“I’m fine. “Now everyone leave us alone for a moment”. With no one to listen in Benjamin and Eleanor spoke freely. Eleanor spoke first. “He is not just a vampire. For one his heart is irregular or a vampire. He had the eyes of a werewolf and two sets of fangs.” Benjamin quickly responded “we have to go after him. A thing like him would destroy everything if we just kept him roam free.” NO! Eleanor screamed, glaring at Benjamin. He could see the look in her eyes transitioning into pure terror. “We cannot go after him. If we did, he could decide to exterminate the entire guild.”

Two hours passed since Carter escaped the dungeon cell. He was somewhere deep in the forest but could still see the guild fortress. Nearby there was a lake where he washed his blood-stained clothes. While Carter's clothes were drying, he explored the forest to get a hold of his surroundings using all senses for assistance. With no luck, to his knowledge, this entire forest was quiet and empty. Carter made his way back toward the drying clothes. They were disturbed, once again using his senses Carter didn’t see, hear, or smell whatever had messed with his belongings. Who or whatever it was masked their entire presence “impressive” Carter thought to himself. Carter’s clothes were dried now, and he kept his senses on high alert as he dressed. Carter went throughout the forest looking for a way out but suddenly there was a slight rustling in the trees that stopped him dead in his tracks. Carter looked toward the noise, no one was there. Whoever this was only toyed with Carter. “Alright, enough of this. It’s time to go” he thought to himself.

An hour had gone by, but Carter had noticed something, every twenty minutes the rustling in the trees was growing more frequent. There had been a faint whistling heading towards Carter, who was able to catch in time, it was some kind of dart. Unfortunately, the dart had slightly pierced Carter’s skin and caused him extreme pain for a few minutes. “Wolfsbane! he said in an irritated growl, this was getting out of hand now. Carter gripped his arm tightly. “I’m growing tired of this game of hide and never find. Just come out and get this over with.” Moments later a figure stepped from the shadows, an elven woman. She said to Carter with a smile “I didn’t know there were more hybrids.”