Orc Wars 2 : Lazarus

Chapter 71 - Dungeon 80 Vampires Part 3

Lazarus entered the narrow passageway warily. Tania led the way. She had insisted on being in front, it would mean she would be the first to reach her Chosen. Anya followed behind keeping rear guard. They moved quickly, every second counted.

After several turns and countless steps, they arrived at an underground chamber. It was large and open. Upright coffins lined niches inlayed into the solid granite walls.

Lazarus turned three hundred and sixty degrees scanning the place. Row upon row of differently designed coffins pock-marked every available space around them, lids facing outwards. They were neatly stacked upon each other and rose along the hard walls as far as the eye could see. Thank the Gods they were all shut, for the moment.

A soft groan called his attention. His eyes travelled up disbelievingly. Hanging from the ceiling were numerous gently swinging cages, each large enough to fit a human. There were limbs jutting out from some. He gulped nervously. The person who designed this dungeon was definitely a vampire freak. Now, where was the Nut? Where was Valentine? Was he imprisoned in one of them?

"You came, you actually came," the cold gleeful voice said.

From the shadows, seven shapes materialised. The men and women were all graceful, confident and very, very beautiful. How cliché, Lazarus thought.

The Leader smiled, "Your friend is up there. Don't worry, he is not becoming one of us ... yet. The new one did not drain him nor is she matured enough to turn a human, the foolish child," he tsked shaking his head.

"So, Val is o'kay?"

"For the moment. He will be in pain but that's part of life." He shrugged. "He will serve as our nourishment. We were running out of food. Those up there," he indicated the creaking swaying cages, "have been with us for too long and are almost dried up. My hungry children need fresh young blood."

"You can't have him."

"There is a way if you want your friend back."

The gatekeeper's head jerked up. "How?"

"Bring us ten humans in exchange for your friend. No animals. They taste terrible."

Lazarus clenched his jaw. He didn't have to think about it. "No deal."

"I was hoping you would say that, but I had to make the offer. There are Rules, you know."

"What Rules? I ..." the Assassin asked but was cut off when the Leader signalled. The other six descended upon him, dividing neatly into two groups. They attacked the Familiars first, the priority was to get rid of the foul smelling wolves and secure the human. He was full of delicious hot blood. The two wolves were no match against the six vampires. Anya and Tania fought valiantly but died horribly when their limbs were torn viciously from their bodies. The coordinated undead were cruel, fast and super strong.

Lazarus was too busy fending for himself to help the familiars. The coffin lids around them had burst open simultaneously. Pale bodies with fangs flew out at him shrieking. "Blood! Warm Blood!" The Assassin lost track of the Leader in the crowd as he shot at the lesser vampires. Arrow after arrow struck their targets. Vampires burst shrieking, lighting up the dim cavern.

His heart broke when Anya and Tania died. Their fierce howls echoed in his ears even after their canine bodies exploded.

"Nooo! Tania!" cried Valentine from above There was no time, Lazarus looked up in between shots. Frantic hands were reaching out from a wildly swinging cage. He saw Valentine standing, pressing his face against the bars.