Kapitel 20: The Crimson Trials
The cave felt even colder as Báthory stepped into view. Her presence filled the small space with an ancient, predatory power.
Atenzi stood his ground, very aware of how vulnerable he was - no weapons, dead tired, and far from home.
"How'd you find us so fast?" Atenzi asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Báthory's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her burning red eyes. "Oh, my dear boy," she purred, her voice silky and chilling. "Did you really think you could enter my land without me noticing? I smelled you the moment you washed up on my shores."
She stepped closer, taking a deep breath. "Ah, yes. I could never forget that scent. The bold new king who dared to challenge me. Your blood sings a most... tempting song."
Atenzi felt Musashi and Anzar tense behind him, ready to fight despite how tired they were. He raised a hand slightly, signaling them to wait. This was his plan, and he had to see it through.
"Queen Báthory," Atenzi said, putting all the authority he could into his words, "I've come to suggest we work together."
For a moment, the cave was silent. Then Báthory threw back her head and laughed, a sound like breaking glass that echoed off the stone walls.
"Work together?" she said when she stopped laughing. "With the upstart who humiliated me? You're brave, I'll give you that. Or maybe just foolish."
Atenzi stood straighter, meeting Báthory's gaze without flinching. "Neither brave nor foolish, Your Majesty. It's necessary. Genghis Khan is marching on your borders right now. Alone, neither of us can hope to stand against his army. But together..."
Báthory's eyes narrowed, a flash of interest replacing the mocking amusement. "Go on," she said, suddenly serious.
"I suggest we combine our strengths," Atenzi continued, encouraged by her attention. "Your centuries of experience and the power of your vampire armies, with the cleverness and determination of humanity. Together, we can push back Khan's invasion and keep the balance of power in Naaim."
"And why," Báthory asked, circling Atenzi slowly like a predator sizing up its prey, "should I trust the word of the man who so recently beat me?"
Atenzi spread his arms wide, showing how defenseless he was. "Because I'm here, unarmed and at your mercy, to make this offer in person. I'm willing to risk everything - my life, my freedom - for the sake of my people and the future of Naaim."
Báthory stopped circling, standing right in front of Atenzi. She reached out, tracing a cold finger along his jaw. Atenzi fought the urge to flinch, holding her gaze steadily.
"Fascinating," she murmured. "You truly believe you can make allies of predator and prey?"
"I believe we're all prey when it comes to Khan's ambitions," Atenzi replied. "The question is whether we face him separately and fall, or stand together and survive."
For a long moment, Báthory studied him, her ancient eyes seeming to peer into his very soul. Finally, she stepped back, looking like she'd made a decision.
"Very well, Atenzi of the Sovereign Lands. You've caught my interest. I'll grant you safe passage to Crimsonfall, my capital, where we can... discuss this idea of yours in more suitable surroundings."
She turned, gesturing for them to follow. As they left the cave, Atenzi blinked in the grey dawn light. The mist had thinned a bit, showing a landscape that seemed designed to unsettle humans.
The trees were twisted and bare, their branches reaching towards the sky like grabbing fingers. The ground was a mix of sickly pale grass and bare earth the color of dried blood. In the distance, Atenzi could make out the shape of a huge fortress, its towers piercing the low clouds.
"Welcome to Bloodmire," Báthory said, sounding proud. "Try not to fall behind. The creatures of this land aren't as... controlled as I am when it comes to uninvited guests."
As they began their journey towards Crimsonfall, Atenzi felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Musashi, looking concerned.
"Are you sure about this, young one?" Musashi asked quietly. "There may be no going back once we enter the vampire's lair."
Atenzi nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I'm sure, Sensei. Whatever the risk to me, I have to try. For my people, for all of Naaim... it's a chance we have to take."
Musashi studied him for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "You've grown, Atenzi. Remember your training, stay centered, and trust your instincts. They've served you well so far."
As they continued walking, following Báthory's graceful form through the forbidding landscape, Atenzi couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched from the shadows. Sometimes, he caught glimpses of movement from the corner of his eye - darting shapes that vanished when he tried to look directly at them.
Anzar, limping slightly but keeping up, muttered under his breath, "Bloodmire. Of all the cursed places to wash up. You certainly know how to show an old sailor a good time, lad."
Despite how serious their situation was, Atenzi felt a smile tugging at his lips. Anzar's gruff humor was oddly comforting in this strange place.
As they reached the top of a hill, Crimsonfall came fully into view, and Atenzi's breath caught in his throat. The fortress was a masterpiece of gothic architecture, all tall spires and flying buttresses. But there was something off about its proportions, an otherworldly quality that made his eyes hurt if he stared too long at any one part.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Báthory said, noticing his reaction. "Built by the first vampire lords, long before your kind learned to make tools from stone. It has stood as the heart of our realm for thousands of years."
Atenzi nodded, trying to hide his unease. "It's... remarkable," he managed.
Báthory's laugh was like ice cracking. "Oh, my dear Atenzi. You haven't seen anything yet. Come, let me show you the true wonders of the vampire court. And then... then we'll see if your silver tongue is as persuasive as you think."
As they approached the towering gates of Crimsonfall, Atenzi steeled himself for what lay ahead. He had made it this far on courage and conviction. Now, he would need every bit of wit and will he had to navigate the dangerous waters of vampire politics - and somehow create an alliance that could save both their realms from Khan's advancing army.
The gates swung open with a groan that seemed to echo through Atenzi's very bones. As they stepped into the shadow of Crimsonfall, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into the mouth of a beast far more ancient and terrible than any sea drake.
But there was no turning back now. For better or worse, the fate of Naaim would be decided in the halls of this strange fortress. And Atenzi was determined to see his mission through, no matter the cost.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein