Followers of Nyx

We both walked down the dark corridors, finding the wing to the prisoners section. Melissa didn't comment on the dead bodies laying around, or the blood covering me from head to toe. We stepped through the broken door, and looked at the cells. They were full of nothing but women, some starting to wake up.

Melissa stepped forward suddenly, taking the initiative, as to not scare them, since I looked like I was ready to bathe in more blood. She spoke with a clear voice, filled with confidence,"Everyone, we will free you shortly, and do not fear my friend here, she is bloody because she has killed all of your captors." They all looked at me and paled a bit.

"Like she said, I will not hurt any of you, unless you want me to," I said with a smirk. "All of you will be given a choice, to join me, or go back to your destroyed villages. I promise you all one thing, death to your enemies, and the joy of hearing them scream in fear of you," I said with a smile full of fang.

Everyone was awake now, after Melissa spoke the first time she started to wake them up. And I proceeded to break all of the doors caging them in with my bare hands, showing off my strength. One girl stepped out quickly, and asked one question I was happy to answer, " Is the bastard who hurt me dead?" She had an angry look on her face.

"I believe I know whom you speak of," I said waving my hand. "He was praying to the ass god to have mercy on him when I killed him with a very nasty tool that shoots spikes out of the sides.He really shouldn't have had that much fun with us females, since karma is a bitch," I laughed then, sounding like I was insane. All of the people here started to cry all of a sudden.

Relief, huh. Weird seeing hero worship on peoples faces. Over 40 prisoners, were hugging on me right now, saying thank you I believe. Hard to understand them though when they won't stop sobbing uncontrollably.They shouldn't hug me so. I get wet easily thinking of the ways they could thank me. I shake my head though, thinking to myself, why would I do that to them? I want them to be strong and independent, and follow Nyx of there own free will. They will not be my prisoners, pleasing me as I like. I will be their leader though, and bring them to an era of peace.

I raise my hand eventually, whistling through my teeth. They all look at me, giving me their undivided attention. "Okay people, let's start moving out of here. When we leave we will head southwest to the mountains, where we can start a settlement. It will be dangerous sure, but I will protect you all, and help you prosper. Is there anyone that doesn't want to come with me?" One girl raises her hand, asking, "Will you teach us how to hunt food, because I don't know how to do so?"

I look at her for a minute, chuckling at her, "Girl, I am offering you something better than food. Immorality is yours should you want it, and we can drink blood to survive, animal or human from what I understand, since all we do is absorb life energy through blood. Anything that is alive is nourishment." She looks at me, shocked, asking, "Immortality? You mean, um, like you?" I nod at her.

"Yes, Like me, but, in order for me to turn any of you, you must swear your fealty to my goddess, Nyx, Queen of the Night. Do not worry about danger, or fear not being loved, for Nyx will love any who come to her. What's more, she will give you power through my blood, and make it to where you can protect yourself, and fight back against the world itself."

I stood there looking at her, and they all proceeded to talk amongst themselves. I didn't listen in, as that would be rude. After a minute Melissa entered into the conversation, describing what we did to their tormentor in exquisite detail. They then moved into more details about their path I guess. In the meantime I called out, "Melissa, I will be up front getting materials, and see if there is anything that we can use for the settlement." Everyone looked at me and nodded while smiling at me, making me wet and self conscious. Jeez, I thought walking out quickly, why do I get excited like this.

After about an hour, I had horses ready, all with tents and swords. Some bows were included and there were plenty of arrows. The food storage had plenty of food, so I got some for everyone, at least until I turned them. I also found a place to bathe in one of the buildings, so I started to scrub off all of the grime I've accumulated. After that, I grabbed some of the clothes out of the barracks they had, checking to see the garments were clean. They were, so I adjusted the strings on the side to adjust it to my size, then I cut off some of the excess.

The shoes I found were a little big, but they worked.I wandered around a bit more to see if there were more interesting things to be found. I picked up a lot of rope, adding to my pile outside. Next I headed towards the main building, wondering what I could find. Maybe something valuable, like gold and jewelry. Maybe a vault, I thought, smiling with excitement.

I didn't find a vault unfortunately. What I did find though, was far more important. I looked at the letters with greed, and then I looked at the next item, malice increasing greatly, along with my killing intent. What I have in my possession is simple, information on all of the kingdoms in the world, and a world map detailing their locations. I grinned evilly, ready to get started.

I sigh after 5 minutes, daydreaming about committing genocide. I put these documents into one of the pockets in the britches I'm currently wearing. I walk back the way I came, heading for the horses to wait for the girls to come out. When I get out my eyes widen a bit. They are all outside already waiting on me.

When I get there, Melissa is about to speak, but I put my hand up, cutting her off. I say to everyone, "Go to the barracks and find some clothes and shoes. Then go and bathe in the bath house. After that, we can speak while y'all eat this food I've gathered for you." I point out both buildings, and they all follow my advice.

After about 2 hours, I see the girls all coming back, clean and fully clothed. They all are looking at the spread of food I have laid out for them, with me sitting on the edge of the cloth the food is on. They all walk a little faster now, obviously hungry. Except Melissa of course. My blood is obviously starting to work on her, turning her skin pale, and killing her appetite.

After everyone sits, Melissa to my left and everyone in a circle, I say, "Dig in, while Melissa fills me in." I wink at them smirking a bit, while some of them blush. Huh, I think, cute. Melissa clears her throat, catching my attention. The heat in her gaze is unmistakable. "My lady, while I would love to partake in your glorious offering, it will have to wait until later. We have all decided to follow Nyx, and elected you as the leader, obviously. The only question we have now is simple. What do we call ourselves?"

I look at her, wondering if she was teasing me about my so called offer, or if she was actually planning on taking me up on it. Great, now I'm super wet, and I look down to see if a spot is showing. Yep... That's embarrassing a bit. I look back up to see Melissa looking at the same spot, smiling. She winks back at me.

I gulp, turning my attention back to everyone. "I already planned on our name a while back, before I even rescued anyone. Night's Embrace is quite catchy don't y'all think?" All around I saw nods and smiles. I nod myself, smiling in turn. One of the girls raises her hand. I nod at her, and she says, " Can we start a church as well for Nyx, complete with a scripture. I would love to give my thanks to her, and designate a holy place for our goddess. I smile fully now. I give her a look filled with love, " Of course we can, for that was a goal as well. The only thing we need is the scriptures themselves, which I'm sure we may find on our adventures eventually." Just then, darkness swirls in front of us, vanishing just as quickly.

We all look at the object there, completely shocked. A beautiful book, with black swirls on a purple covering. Bold letters are strewn across the book, titled, "Night's Embrace." I look around at everyone, finally managing to talk, "Well, our goddess seems to be pleased with us." Everyone remained silent, regarding this phenomenon.