Defender's Blood Tatiana's War (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  The town was made up of many interconnecting streets with lots of crossways but the main thing was the narrowness. Zach didn't like it at all. The buildings were taller than he had expected and that meant they walked through a tunnel like path – sitting ducks basically.

  He wasn't happy about this route but Tatiana had seemed more than a little upset at the thought of taking a detour. He kept his senses alert as they made there way through the dark, dim, streets.

  The first of the bodies wasn't too far in and nobody looked at it for long. A dead body was a dead body. However, the men all had a look to see how they had been killed. It would give them valuable information on what they were up against.

  So far they had no idea. Lilli had said it had been goblins but none of them had any experience of them. They knew nothing of how much of a threat these goblins were. Any information they could glean from these bodies would help them understand what they were facing.

  As they looked all realised it had been by blunt force. No blades, guns, swords – no – it basically looked as if the head was bashed in by something heavy.

  A little further and there were more bodies, but not nearly enough for a town this size. Where were all the people? As Zach thought this Vlad's hand shot up – everyone stopped – waiting.

  Vlad used hand signals – indicating that there was something up ahead. Everyone but Thadius and the fairies knew Vlad's signals well and knew there were at least four up ahead. Four of what, they didn't know but they were soon going to find out.

  Zach turned back to Thadius. “Thadius – stay here with the horses – we'll go see what we're up against.”

  Thadius nodded and everyone else moved on, snaking down the sides of the street quietly. Alex was always amazed at how silent these huge men were, especially Dmitri. He was absolutely huge and she could never figure out how he did it.

  As they neared the end of the street they had been in they could see it opened out into some kind of small square. Possibly for markets or some such. A small water fountain was in the middle and that's were the four were. They stopped and watched.

  Four males – taller than Tatiana but not by much – but a whole hell of a lot bigger in width. Their heads seemed overly large for their bodies and their legs were very short with thick, powerful thighs. Their arms were thick also and their hands were huge. Far too big for the rest of their bodies. All in all they looked just plain weird.

  All either held or had near them huge hammer like weapons. The head of the weapon was large and made of what looked like stone, tied with leather onto the thick wooden handle. They were chattering away to each other but none of them could understand what they were saying. It sounded a little like the language that Tatiana used for spells but it was far more guttural and sounded harsh and nasty. All four were oblivious to the fact they were being watched.

  Vlad pointed to Finn – then all around – then his nose – he wanted to see if Finn could scent any more with his wolf senses. The boy understood and tried his best, taking deep breaths through his nose and sorting through the smells that assaulted him.

  The corruption of the dead bodies was clear for him to sort and get rid of and then he scented the four in front of them. An earthy but dirty smell – he guessed they didn't bathe very often.

  Once he had their scent he looked for more – didn't find any – he only hoped he was right? Dmitri had been telling him for years not to keep second guessing himself and he decided this was a good time to take that advice.

  He straightened up – shook his head 'No' to Vlad and hoped to god he was right. If they walked into an ambush because of him he would never forgive himself. Finn kept his nose working, trying to make absolutely sure they were safe.

  Vlad held up his fingers – three, two, one – and they moved as one. Using their supernatural speed to reach the four males in a very short period of time.

  They were almost upon them before any of the four realised they were in any kind of danger. Almost, but not quite. Each of the four moved with surprising speed and held their great hammers in both hands. Then they started swinging and the force behind each one was far more than any of them expected from such small creatures.

  Time and again the hammers missed their marks due to their unique vamp and wolf speed but each one knew that if they had landed they would've been in for a world of hurt.

  Alex had stayed slightly back and watched – getting more and more annoyed. So annoyed that she pulled her throwing daggers out and shouted - “Back!” As soon as the word left her lips the vampire's and wolf stepped away – Alex's hand flew quickly – a blade landing in each of the four small males.

  Each goblin growled and screamed in pain but all dropped their hammers to try and dislodge the blades that were now sticking out of them. That was all the guys needed and they moved quickly. Each took hold of one of these strange creatures who were still trying to dislodge the blades. Grabbing them roughly and restraining their arms behind their backs.

  Alex walked forward knowing that these four, she thought they might be goblins but wasn't sure, but she was sure that they would never have seen a vampire before. She thought of the heads caved in on the bodies she had seen and the terror in Tatiana for her people.

  It was enough to make her eyes burn red and she let out her fangs. She smiled in a cruel way – showing the sharp and long incisors. The reaction from these misshapen males was instant. She had been right – they had never seen a vamp. They squealed in fright and dropped down onto the ground, absolutely terrified.

  Zach shouted. “Thadius!” and waited on the fairies – sure that they would be able to get some info out of these males lying on the ground.

  Thadius appeared with the fairies and horses close behind. As they drew nearer Tatiana jumped down from her ride and moved with precision to the men on the ground.

  “Goblins!” Tatiana hissed – knowing that it had been these beings that had killed the people they had seen.

  “Do you speak their language Tatiana – can you get some information out of them?” Zach was only interested in what these four could do to help them. Information was important, they needed as much as they could get.

  Alex moved to each one, moving them easily with her vampire strength and pulling clear her throwing blades. She wiped their blood off her blades on their clothing before placing them back in the belt she used. Each one moaned or groaned as she did so but she felt no pity for these beings. Not after seeing the heads of the people caved in and lying rotting in the town.

  Tatiana moved to the one nearest Zach – third in line – his tunic wasn't as shabby at the rest and his hammer was slightly bigger. This denoted he was above the other three so she wanted to start with him.

  As she walked over she spoke. “Would it be possible for you – Dmitri – to lift this one up. I would appreciate your fangs on show. It will terrify the little bugger!” Tatiana's tone was friendly and she had a smile on her face. She had no qualms whatsoever of using whatever means necessary to get what she wanted out of this goblin.

  Dmitri chuckled and moved, as he neared the male on the ground it's eyes looked up. It saw Tatiana, all dressed for battle, then Dmitri. It's eyes nearly bugged right out and it tried to scoot backwards to get away from the huge Russian. Zach wouldn't let it move though – and gave it a kick for good measure.

  Dmitri bent down and picked the goblin up by the back of it's tunic. Bringing it close to his face – baring his fangs and snarling loudly. The goblin screamed and wriggled, trying to get away.

  Dmitri pulled the foul smelling goblin closer and nipped his neck – just enough to hurt – but it was enough. The smell got much worse as the goblin lost control of his bladder.

  Dmitri smiled as he held the goblin out towards Tatiana. “All yours I think.” The Russian said and Tatiana thought he had done a bloody good job of scaring the being.

  Tatiana started to talk in her native tongue - stopped and waited. The goblin shook his head and Dmitri leant nearer an
d snarled loudly.

  The effect was immediate – the little male talking quickly with Tatiana nodding in places and talking in others. Soon she looked to Dmitri. “All done Dmitri – many thanks.”

  Dmitri just dropped the male, who landed heavily and fell to the ground. His eyes darting between Tatiana and Dmitri. His fear could be scented in the air around them and Tatiana sighed heavily.

  Before the fairy could speak Zach stepped forward. “We need to decide what we're going to do with these? If we let them go they could alert others – Tatiana?”

  Zach wanted to kill them – there and then – but he didn't want to upset the fairies too much.

  “What if we tie them up?” Tatiana asked.

  Zach shook his head. “Tatiana – if we do that several things could happen. They could be found and still send an alert out – or – they might not be found and would have an agonising death, no food or water. It's up to you Tatiana – this is your world – but I would not normally do what you say. We would not take the chance of them being found and alerting others to our being here. It could affect our chances of a successful mission.”

  Zach waited, saw the emotions playing across the fairy's face. He knew it would be hard for her. She was a strong healer and for most of her life a guardian. Killing? Zach was pretty sure the fairy hadn't done any of that.

  Tatiana looked to her mate, Thadius smiled - “Tatiana, my fairy, we have asked for help. They have came to help – they are good at what they do. Their experience is far greater than yours or mine. Let them do their job.”

  Thadius had moved closer, ran his finger down the side of her face and he saw tears in those beautiful eyes. The sight tore at his insides but Thadius knew Zach was right.

  “Zach – we will go on – do what needs to be done.” Tatiana whispered as Thadius took her hand and led her back to her horse, lifting her up and gently placing her on it's back.

  “Alex, Finn, Dmitri – go with them.” Zach said quietly.

  Chapter 3

  Alex looked to her mate. His face held no emotion, cold, hard. A face she knew he must have but one she didn't like to see. She knew that as soon as they were far enough away Vlad and Zach were going to kill these four.

  The fact that they deserved it was no comfort to her. The fact it probably had to be done was no comfort. The fact that her mate was going to do it hurt her deep inside.

  She didn't mind killing while fighting, she had done so many times herself on missions. However, she wasn't sure she could do what had to be done now.

  She knew that was exactly why Zach had sent her away with the fairies. He was protecting her from this cold truth of war. War? Yes – Alex was now certain there was a war going on and she hoped they could help. If that meant Zach and Vlad had to dispose of those four – so be it.

  None of the group looked back as they moved away. All knowing what was going to happen.

  As soon as they were out of sight Zach looked to Vlad. Neither liked doing this, but it had to be done. Vlad nodded and both he and Zach moved with such speed that none of the goblins had any idea of what was about to happen to them.

  Every neck broken so quickly that there was no pain and the deed was done in less than ten seconds. The two large vampires picked up a body in each of their hands, easily. They walked to the nearest building and threw the bodies inside the open door. Out of sight in case anybody came looking for them. Zach shook his head, turned, and walked away, Vlad next to him.

  They caught up to the rest within a minute of leaving the bodies and nobody said a word. Alex took her mate's hand and gave him a small smile. A smile that Zach was grateful for and he gave her hand a small squeeze in response.

  Before he had met and mated Alex he would literally have not had a second thought on what he had just done. She had changed him, made him feel. So much more than he had thought possible. That brought great benefits but also a downside, one that made him flinch from what was sometimes necessary.

  The small band of people made their way on, Vlad and Finn still checking ahead. Making sure it was safe. The young wolf took his job seriously. He was not going to let anyone get hurt because of him. He kept his wolf nose on it's highest sense, scenting for anything that was out there.

  The corruption of the dead bodies was still foremost but he could also scent some small animals. Animals he knew had came out at the smell of death. Animals he knew would make short work of the bodies if they weren't moved and buried soon. He shivered at the thought.

  It was getting dark and with the darkness came the cold. The fairies started to shiver, never having felt this coldness in their land before. Tatiana and Lilli's faces were white, with cold but also with the feelings of shock and despair that ran through them. Lilli was much worse than Tatiana and every one in their party realised there were stark differences between the two.

  Tatiana had always presented as being strong and capable. Lilli seemed weak in comparison. Beautiful, compassionate, but weak in the face of what they were up against.

  Zach wasn't worried about the cold. He was more concerned with what the darkness could conceal and he thought they should stop and rest. Neither Tatiana or Lilli had complained so far. Being on horseback for many hours now, Zach was sure they would be sore and tired.

  “Hold up!” Zach spoke so everyone heard and then he moved forward towards Vlad. “I think we should find somewhere and hole up for the night. It's too cold to carry on, Tatiana and Lilli must also be very tired and sore. Vlad, can you scope the area ahead and see if you can find us something?”

  Vlad only nodded before moving forward and searching. The rest moved on slowly, waiting to see what Vlad came back with and it wasn't long. A few minutes and Vlad was jogging back in their direction.

  “There's what looks like a little tavern thing up ahead and round the corner. Give me a couple of minutes then come on up to it. Dmitri, Finn – you're with me.” Vlad turned and moved away the other two right behind.

  Alex gave Zach a querying look and Zach answered – only in her mind, however, as he didn't want to upset Tatiana and Lilli. 'Must be bodies inside – they'll get rid of them before we get there.'

  Alex frowned but nodded her head. She didn't like this, not at all. Innocent fairies being bludgeoned to death. She hoped they found who was behind this. She would like to give them a taste of their own bloody medicine.

  Zach smiled – hearing her thoughts and knew that her ire was up. Alex, when angry, shit she could be one scary vampire.

  Thadius' feet were sore. He hadn't walked so far in – well shit he didn't think he had ever done it. However, in combat boots – his feet ached. Wanted nothing more than to sit with them in warm water to ease them. He didn't let it show though – absolutely not.

  “Ok, let's go.” Zach said as he moved on, in front, making sure it was safe. The rest followed behind and Alex could now see the tiredness in the two fairies. Both pale and shivering with the cold.

  As they made their way up the street Alex saw a shop. “Zach – wait up.” With that Alex moved inside the small building, looked around and came out with some coats that looked as if they would fit the small fairies.

  She handed them up to them and both smiled in thanks, pulling the garment on quickly. Tatiana berated herself – she should've thought to have brought warm outer garments.

  “Ok Zach.” Alex said and he turned and walked on. Dmitri was waiting at the end of the street and showed them to the tavern.

  The building had a small stables at it's side and Tatiana and Lilli took their beasts there. There was water and hay and the fairies gave them to their mounts, securing them in a couple of the stalls before going into the building.

  Thadius, Alex and Zach had stayed outside, keeping guard, until the horses had been dealt with. They all went inside together.

  Alex was pleasantly surprised. The inside of the tavern was clean, with only the faint odour of death. Finn was rummaging through what looked to be a kitchen area and came back through
with quite an armful of food.

  “Afraid it'll need to be cold, can't chance a fire.” Finn said as he placed what he had onto a table. Thadius and the fairies joined him and started to eat.

  Neither of the fairies wanted to but knew they had to keep their strength up. Getting weak through lack of food was not going to do anyone any good.

  “Yay! Booze!” Vlad half laughed and brought over some glasses and a few different bottles of liquid. Dmitri was behind him – bringing what looked like a jug of water.

  Finn and the fairies had water, although Finn would've preferred an alcoholic drink he didn't think it wise to do so on his first mission. Especially with Dmitri and Vlad in the room. So he settled for what looked to be water. On tasting it his eyes opened wide.

  “What is this?” he asked, his question directed to the fairies.

  Tatiana smiled. “It is water Finn – just our water here tastes different to yours. It is good, is it not?”

  “Good?! That's not the word I would use Tatiana – it's lovely. It's so refreshing and cool.” Finn was now taking large gulps and had a smile on his face.

  “Yes – I know – it also has other properties in it. For instance if you have a stomach ailment it helps to heal it. We should find some containers and take some with us. I know I was thirsty earlier.” Tatiana once again berated herself because she hadn't thought to bring water with them.

  Thadius nodded his head. “Yes – good idea, I'll look for something to put it in once we've eaten. This – what is it – some kind of fruit? Whatever it is, it's good.”

  Lilli laughed. “Yes it is a fruit common here – it grows wild – one of my favourites.” At this Lilli took one from the table and bit into it. The juices running down her chin.

  Alex was looking at the items on the table, mainly fruits and seeds of some kind. She surmised any fresh meats or such would be spoiled by now. She was pretty sure they didn't have fridges and freezers here. Everything seemed so much more simple here. She wasn't even sure they had any kind of power.