Chapter 166: Limitations

"All right, Julius, storytime, tell me a little tale since we have time to kill. How did the entire court of nobles get turned into bloodsuckers?"

"There was an expedition done that was funded by the nobles four hundred and fifty years ago to The Monster Islands. Other countries had done the same, but the group that left didn't return the same. Something had become lifeless about them, no expression would touch their face, at least not true ones," Julius explained.

"So then these are the Thrull's, was attacked us last night? They were the villagers? I couldn't sense their feelings when they spoke or with the expressions they made, so I would assume you are talking about one and the same?"

"Yes, but the problem was that the Captain seemed normal, a bit on the pale side, but full of life and happy to bring back huge caskets of treasures. That was what they told everyone, but what we didn't know was that three Pure Vampires were waiting inside. The caskets were brought to a special viewing room in the palace, and only a select few of the highest nobles we invited with the Queen."

Julius paused and took a drink from a saucer that had some wine in it. It was morning, but this kind of talk always called for a drink, the rest of the town's folk had come to visit to thank us for help, but that they were leaving. I told them all to head east to Dreams, they would be welcomed, and I gave all the money I had brought with me to the families and groups to buy things when they got there. This was all I could do for now, but they would all have a second chance at life, but then Julius continued with his tale.

"Once everyone was inside the room, Captain Hutira knocked on each casket once and then the lids flew open. Demons like we had never seen before burst from the plushly lined caskets, tearing us all to pieces. We all died, watching them eat us alive, but then we woke put and we weren't dead. Not only were we not dead, but we were all stronger, faster, but we all felt the pull of the Pure Ones, without their blood, we can't survive. That is unless the King magic comes and touches, then I guess you turn into a bat. You know I really can't wait to see Antilla's face when she finds out she is a bat and her daughter is right in front of her!"

"What do you mean?" Jill/Kalita asked Julius.

"Your mother will be happy to see you, how is your father, General Markeye doing?"

"Wait...you are lord Julius...you seemed taller than when I remember meeting you…"

"Yes, well-becoming undead has its perks, the skin complexion alone is worth getting eaten over and for to do the same to others for the last four and a half centuries. Then, this guy, who is your husband, comes to her after all this time and touches me, then all of it is over. I don't need their blood anymore, I don't need any blood anymore. Do you know how long it is since I have been able to actually taste wine? If you see a vampire drinking wine, they are tough, because anything that isn't blood, tastes like acid," Julius explained laying back on a little chair I had made for him.

I had grown it from the tabletop, and the two children, maybe four and five sat on Rachel/Nuwari, and Esmeralda/Kadence's lap watching him curiously. I had explained to the owner that he was a pet for now, but he was harmless for the more part. The two boys liked to watch him dance around as he told his story, and they giggled when he would squeak loudly when he got too exciting, or dramatic parts.

"How many more of you halfbreeds are left then?"

"Five, but they are all in Ratilleck, Ratiha's Capital, the Pure Ones are there in the Castle too."

"Pft, piece of cake!"

"No, you are just outside of the zone right now, so you wouldn't have noticed this yet. Magic does not work from the point on in Ratiha. There are special stones everywhere that we have been planting in the State since the Pure Ones arrived," Julius countered to my brush off.

Well, that was something different, no wonder they had been able to keep this under wraps for so long. Anyone coming into this place wouldn't know until it was too late, then the vampires could make quick work of them. This was turning out to be a serious problem, I was still strong and the rest had training, but these were being as tough as me almost. 

"This is going to be a problem, I am going to have to send you all back, and then bring the part of the army here to help me finish cleaning the place out."

"No, we are not…" Kadence tried to argue.

"Yes, you are. MainFrame is out there Kade, and I can't protect you. This isn't like the other games we played before, there might not be a next game if you die, and that is not an option. So, you will all take the Tank and escort the people of this village back to Dreams and bring a sizable force back here, but do not leave the city under defended. Do not make me order you to do this."

The silence hung in the air as the three girls stared at me defiantly, and Mesh examined a knot in the leg of the table we were sitting at. I didn't blink, nor did I back down from their stares, I respected every one of their opinions, but this was not up for discussion. I was the leader, and this was my job to keep them safe, and I was the only person in this world that can do this thing.

"Hyde, if something happens to you…" Nuwari let the sentence trail off as she and the other two came over. 

I took the three of them into my arms and held them close. I would not see anyone for a couple days, and the thought was bothersome, but, I had to do this. The people of Ratiha deserved more than this, so I would give them more. 

On the brighter side of things, MainFrame and his partner would have no magic, still, I don't think that will stop his summoning abilities. There should be some limitations put on him like Talon, but MainFrame wasn't like the other Game Masters.