The Making of Vampires Ch. 05

Martinelli chuckled. "Well, in your defense, you offered to take my place, but you didn't really declare your intentions. You were flummoxed, pure and simple. That happens when you find the right one. You get overwhelmed and your mind doesn't seem to work too well."

They walked through the darkened woods. Had they not been vampires who could see in the dark, they would have fallen or lost the path many times. If it had not been for Martinelli's tracking skills, they would not have found Suwon in the arms of her lover. The ambient noise of the forest at night drowned out the heartbeats of the lovers.

Martinelli found them. He stepped off the path and Marcus followed. They didn't have to travel far before they found the lovers entwined together lying on a large flat rock beside a stream. They kissed passionately as they each tried desperately to remove the other's clothing.

Marcus emitted a low hiss at the sight of another man touching Suwon. Martinelli grabbed his nephew's arm, moved them both behind a large conifer, and said, "You can't. Our law is against you on this one. Maintain control and you will have her in the end. Think of her. She will resist you if you try to come between them."

Marcus jerked his arm away from his uncle and turned his back on the scene. He seethed, but his beast was calm, strangely calm.

Martinelli whispered, "Think of strategy. Winning a woman is no different from any other battle. You need a plan and you need to proceed with caution. You need to determine how you wish to conquer a land. You have to determine if you want her ground beneath your boot or to welcome you, the victor, warmly."

He turned back to watch the scene. He knew Marcus wouldn't watch. The young man couldn't. It was too disturbing as Martinelli could imagine. What man wanted to watch another man seduce his future bride? Although, Martinelli had been that other man many times. Although, he had not touched a woman, other than to feed, since his wife died. Many men didn't believe him when he said such things, but it was true. Guilt at his inappropriate behavior the true motivator, not anything noble.

Suwon moaned as her lover kissed her neck. Martinelli heard his nephew groan as if in pain. He kept his smile hidden. His nephew was not new to the charms of women and was well aware of situation even if he wasn't watching.

The man didn't bother to remove Suwon's clothes, just moved them out of the way, by pulling her silk pants down her thighs. He moved his hands up her blouse to feel her breasts. That wasn't terribly unusual, but there was something about the scene that struck Martinelli as wrong. He continued to watch, not as a voyeur, but as a soldier doing reconnaissance.

Suwon stroked the man's hair, tenderly, lovingly. She massaged his shoulders and kissed the top of his head. She moved to make his entry into her easier.

The man groped and touched her in ways that brought him great pleasure. He was determined and purposeful. He maneuvered himself on top of her to enter her. He quit kissing her neck. He positioned his hands by her sides, lifting himself almost arching as if looking into the trees. He closed his eyes and pumped into her.

Suwon traced his arms and matched his thrusts. She looked adoringly into his face. She watched his expression changing her moves slightly to enhance his pleasure. He moaned. She smiled. The man kept his eyes closed and thrust faster.

Martinelli reached behind him to nudge Marcus. "Hey, look at this."

Marcus coughed out a sound of disgust. "I'm not watching some man fuck my future wife."

Martinelli smiled. "That's just it. He is fucking her."

Marcus grimaced. "I know what he is doing."

Martinelli turned, grabbed his nephew, and forced the man into a position to see the couple. "No, he is fucking her. She is making love to him."

Marcus almost asked what the hell his uncle was talking about, but then the truth of the matter struck him. Suwon had love written all over her face. That was enough to make Marcus want to turn away, but the warrior within him took over. He needed information to help plan his strategies. Suwon caressed her lover's arms. Suwon moved in ways that enhanced her lover's pleasure.

On the other hand, the man didn't look at Suwon. His eyes were closed and he probably fantasized about another woman. He didn't touch Suwon more than he had to. He didn't notice or seem to care if she had any pleasure in the experience. Strangely, that saddened Marcus instead of giving him happiness. This man was using his bride. Why?

He looked at Martinelli, who stood with a knowing smirk on his face, and asked, "Why is he doing that?"

Martinelli shrugged. "I'm not sure. He could be using her to gain favor with her father to enhance his position. He could be using her just because he found a willing woman to his advances." He shrugged, again. "I'm not sure. This scene doesn't answer that question. It does answer a future problem for Suwon. She will have her heart broken and you can be there to help her when that happens."

Marcus looked as if someone had grievously injured his favorite pet. "No. I can't let that happen. She will be devastated when tossed aside for another woman."

Martinelli quickly answered, "You have no other choice. You can't claim her and you can't kill her lover. Remember the law. You did not make an official declaration and you have no right to her. Even her father has not forced her to unite with one of us. Therefore, I believe her claims of insult to be taken seriously with her people. You need to proceed carefully. We, all of us, need to proceed carefully." He closed his eyes a moment and concentrated. "Come, there are guards setting up along their wall. We need to make an entrance through the front gate as if finished with our inspection of the lands."

Marcus looked back at his beloved Suwon. The man increased his speed thrusting harder until he cried out in ecstasy. The man stood quickly and pulled up his pants maneuvering his flaccid member in a comfortable position in his pants. Then he turned and walked back to the path, not looking once as Suwon, and passing very close to the shadowed vampires.

Suwon smiled warmly at her lover's back. Then she lowered herself into the stream and bathed. Marcus shook his head and sighed sadly for his beloved. The cold detachment of her lover's departure hadn't been unusual. She had grown used to it.

Marcus closed his eyes and concentrated. The only danger in the forest to Suwon was her departing lover. He opened his eyes and looked sadly at his uncle. "I'm ready to leave, now."

***

In the early dark hours of morning, Marcus, with the rest of the vampires and Master Cho's warriors, sat in a different room or building, depending on how one wished to describe this home, on more pillows around more low tables. Women served the men tea and then left the building through one of the two doors.

He was dressed for battle and his wore nearly the same armor as his uncle. They wore a vest of hardened black leather over a shirt of chain mail that tied in the front with leather strips. His armor was a gift from his uncle and illustrated to everyone that Marcus was next in command. It wasn't any protection from fighting another vampire, but it was fine for fighting humans. Then again, there really wasn't much protection when fighting another vampire.

Master Cho sat at the end of room in the center of a long low table. Two of his sons sat to his left. Another son and Suwon sat to his right. Marcus mistakenly thought that the Suwon sitting to her father's right was a special place of honor until one of Master Cho's warrior explained with a heavy accent and broken sentences that the two sons on the left were in the position of honor. The explanation was something about the east wind bringing renewal of the days, rains, and seasons. Marcus pretended to understand and smiled at the man.

Prefect Park stood and rang a small round gong that he picked up from the table. "We are gathered to discuss the battle plans and strategy of the dawn. May the Jade and Obsidian Dragons guide us."

As Prefect Park stopped talking, the doors to the east were opened and in walked soldiers carrying two large and heavy statues, two dragons. One was carved from light green speckled stone, jade. The other was carved from solid black stone, highly polished obsidian to reduce the nicks and cuts so common for the volcanic rock.

Marcus whispered to the soldier who explained the seating positions, "What is inside those statues. They can't be solid gemstones."

The soldier answered in his heavy accent. "As far can be determined. They are."

Marcus smiled again as if agreeing, but he thought the man misunderstood him. He had never seen such large pieces of gemstone and doubted highly that the two statues could be solid jade or solid obsidian. Obsidian wasn't a strong stone and chipped easily creating sharp edges.

Marcus let his mind wander as he scanned the room. He tried to avoid looking at Suwon, as she didn't seem to notice that he existed. She hadn't paid much attention to him since their initial introduction, which highly insulted her. He tried not to look at her lover, but there he had a harder time. He couldn't help but look at the man and judge him.

The man was nothing special that Marcus could determine. He wasn't even the largest or strongest looking warrior among the bunch. He didn't wear the trappings of Master Cho's generals. Even Suwon, a woman and not highly respected in the culture, had more decorations of honor on her war cloak than that man.

Marcus, even if he were human, would easily be able to overpower the warrior. True, Marcus had not seen the man fight, but he had witnessed how the man carried himself. It wasn't impressive. The man strutted as if he believed himself to be something special. No warrior who had ever accomplished anything needed to prove himself to anyone because he would know the truth deep down. Therefore, a tested warrior would not need to strut. He would carry himself standing tall and with dignity, something Suwon's lover did not.

Suwon's voice broke through his musings. She was agreeing and supporting the plan presented by her lover. Marcus sneered at the thought.

Martinelli elbowed his nephew and whispered, "Remember, we are not supposed to understand what is said until the Prefect interprets."

Marcus erased any look of emotion that had alighted on his face. Had he been paying attention as the other vampires, he would have shared several reasons why the plan was a poor one.

Prefect Park interpreted, "Master Cho's third daughter agrees with the lieutenant's plan to divide the sons, having them each lead a contingent of men and staggering your troops between them in obvious rows so the enemy can see the layers."

All the vampires looked to Martinelli. Even though August was their official leader, in times of war, Martinelli was the genius. He saw things that others did not as he did now.

Martinelli shook his head. "Master Cho's sons are very brave, but it offers an opportunity for your enemy to kill heirs. Sending the youngest into battle is enough to show that Master Cho's sons are brave. The other sons should guard their father."

They sat patiently as Prefect Park interpreted. Then the lieutenant gave an angry retort. When Suwon shared her opinion supporting her lover, Marcus rubbed his face. She wasn't greatly respected by the culture, but she obviously had sway in this room. She had proven herself to her men, which is why they permitted her to talk. He saw too clearly, why a lieutenant wishing to rise quickly in the ranks would bed her. If any of his suggestions worked, he would get the credit. If their failed, the fault would be blamed on Suwon for being a foolish woman. He inwardly groaned. He heard Master Cho's verdict and waited for Prefect Park to interpret.

Prefect Park turned to Martinelli as it was obvious whose opinion among August's men would matter. "Master Cho was decided to support his lieutenant's plan which his daughter also supports."

Martinelli bowed his head slightly acquiescing to the plan. Marcus was going to protest, but felt the slight pressure of his uncle's hand press against his thigh. He remained quiet.

Master Cho stood and left the table followed by his sons and daughter. They left through the door to the inner courtyard. The rest of the warriors stood after Master Cho and his family left. Only the vampires remained.

August asked, "Well, little brother. What do you think?"

Martinelli shook his head. "Something is off. Dividing the brothers is a good idea. Even having them show bravery is a good idea. Why have us interspersed between their troops in thick layers? Would it not look better if we were interwoven among their men? It would look as though Master Cho had a mightier army. Why bring attention to us as mercenaries? I don't trust it. Perhaps it is because of who suggested it, but I don't. I fear there is something going on."

He stood then and looked at his men. "Dawn is coming. Let's battle, but keep alert for treachery. Marcus, stay close to Suwon. I fear for her safety. Death during a battle would be a great way to rid oneself of an unwanted lover."

A grim look crossed Marcus' face for only a moment to be replaced by one of determination. He quickly left the room and the rest of the men departed on his heels. They would take up their positions. The goal was to win the battle for Master Cho. Their secret and more important goal was to secure the safety of the bride of one of their own.

Each man understood the stakes. Not all vampires fell in love. They could go through the motions, but until their inner beasts decided, they would not find true solace in a woman's embrace. Many had died never to find the person to give their restless beasts peace. Because of that restlessness, many beasts had grown dark and dangerous. Some of the weaker vampires gave in to their beasts. They were hunted and killed ending the chaos and destruction their beasts caused.

They understood what was at stake. If Suwon died, then Marcus would most likely give up and allow his beast to break free. Then they would have to kill one of their own, a comrade, and trusted friend bonded through the curse of blood. That curse was one they all had taken freely in order to save their city, their people, and their families.

There was no boisterous talk as the men marched to the field of battle. Each prepared himself. Each found an unfamiliar seriousness that encouraged self-reflection and an inner examination of how much they were willing to risk in order to help their friend Marcus.

The vampires assembled in bands between Master Cho's men. Each band had their specialized weaponry in their proper places. Spear throwers, archers, and swordsmen knew their respective spots as not to interfere with the workings of others' weapons. In general, the warriors positioned themselves toward the front and the magic wielders positioned themselves toward the rear.

Long ago, the tactics included the warriors protecting the spell casters, which had been so successful that there were now more spell casters than there were warriors. Therefore, the spell casters had divided into two classes during times of war. One group focused on offensive spells to destroy the enemy. The second group focuses on protection spells to help the soldiers. They suffered fewer fatalities with the change of strategy.

Martinelli positioned himself at the center of the army with a group of his men. He stood level with the sons of Master Cho. He didn't care what protocol was for status and battle. He would be at the front leading his men.

He inhaled deeply and appeared to look far away. He was finding each of his men, something he learned he was able to do without their knowledge. This was how he kept track of each and knew of their deaths because they flicked and darkened in his mind. This was also how he kept track of the enemy. In the past, he whispered orders directing his men to aid and defend any who were falling to enemy tactics. He would do the same today.

Master Cho's enemies lined up across from them. Their spread out slightly farther and had nearly a third more warriors than those who fought on Master Cho's side. He pulled his sword awaiting the horns of battle.

Master Cho's men all had bows, arrows knocked, and ready with swords tied to their belts. Master Cho's men did not specialize, as did Martinelli's. Neither did their opponents who stood with arrows knocked and ready with their swords by their sides.

Martinelli had the battlefield in his mind like a game board. The humans and vampires were as pins on the board preparing to move. Martin would keep that image as he battled. He would know of the fight as a game in his mind as he battled it in the world.

The horns blasted from the enemy. Master Cho's horn men answered the call. Men cried out battle calls and hollered as arrows rained down on both sides. Then they ran to collide in the middle.

Several humans on each side fell from the volley of arrows. His men were better at dodging for vampires understood the effects of specific weapons on their bodies. Metal weapon caused wounds that healed. Wooden arrows through the heart killed.

He spotted the man who would be the first to fall from his sword and engaged. He played with the man as a cat did with a mouse before giving the deathblow. He had to make it look as though he were human and allowed his opponent a few clever moves before ending the man's life.

He moved to engage his second opponent. The game board in his mind bothered him. Master Cho had a group of men in each contingent that could not move as quickly as the rest. Each contingent had a group of men that appeared to be losing too much ground for the beginning of a battle. There should be no fatigue and thus no lag.

An image of a smithy shop came into his mind. A hammer striking an anvil, which was the name of a battle tactic. The middle of the battle line would fall back allowing the enemy to gain ground and confidence. Then the ends of the line would flank around surrounding the enemy and crushing them between the hammer and anvil. It didn't make sense because the enemy line was not giving any ground and basically straight.

Martinelli trusted his instincts and focused more on the board in his mind as he battled his second opponent. He blocked skilled blows that could have killed him had he not the reflexes of a vampire. Then he understood. He no longer played with his opponent. He used his vampire strength fully cleaving through the man's blocked sword, shattering it, and lopping off the man's head. He turned to survey the battle behind him.

The lagging men were not slow. They were attacking from the rear. He and his men were interspersed to block the image of their soldiers from dying by the hands of their fellow soldiers.

Martinelli gave a half smile appearing almost evil and whispered, "It's a trap. Suwon's lover is a traitor."

At that whispered declaration, the vampires quit playing with their enemies. They began in earnest to kill. Some turned to engage the men sneaking up behind the loyal fighters of Master Cho.

The traitors seemed taken aback as did Master Cho. Master Cho looked upon the battle with horror as he thought the mercenaries had turned against them. Then the truth shined through as he saw the mercenaries defending and protecting the soldiers in the front against the soldiers in the back. That truth realized, a new horror enveloped his mind as a blade pierced his back exiting through the front of his chest. The last sight he saw was his eldest son and heir downed on the field of battle.

Marcus, already positioned close to Suwon, moved to aid her. The two men standing on either side of her turned to attack her. She dodged one sword and blocked the second. Confusion marred her face.