A Few Years Later

Drake sat on the roof over his room, near the platform where he’d seen dragons land countless times.

His opinions on the world had changed in the past few years. He didn’t turn to his parents for anything, and he became much more independent. His father was still always busy; his mother had spent months devoting her time entirely to Chaucer.
Her son had been on the brink of death… and she’d turned her attention to Chaucer… completely. Drake wouldn’t go near her, either. When they did end up in the same room, she cast him nervous glances and he left as soon as possible.

Marina had come to Drake, eventually. Walked over when he was in the public library below the palace. She asked him why he was avoiding her.
Drake asked about what had happened in the kitchen. Why she’d screamed, how she could leave him there hurt. Why she’d hurt him...
Marina had looked confused, then… unsure, a bit worried. It took her a full two minutes before she shook her head and denied everything.

Nevertheless, Drake had the scars on his arms. There was no denying it—he had the proof permanently carved into his arms. He wanted that proof gone; he did. Normal kids his age had basic wounds. Scabs on their knees from playing, weapon practice, bumps and bruises… He had nothing of the sort, other than the scars on his arms.
Drake healed amazingly well, and fast. He didn’t get sick anymore, not even common colds or the flu.

Ever since he’d gotten them, people had eyed those scars like they were curses. Drake was beginning to be old enough to see why. Marks like that on a person’s arms and wrists usually meant a brutal event, a mental disability, something to be ashamed of. What answer did he have for them?

‘Oh? These scars? I cut myself when I was nearly six while cleaning up glass and my mother fired Holy at me.’

No… he hid them as best he could. Long sleeves at all times, but that was becoming a problem. He was old enough to start weapon training.

Archery was Drake’s talent. He was excellent at hand to hand and whips, great at sword fighting, ok with spears…
Nevertheless, he favored archery and newly invented firearms. He already had a composite bow, and a long bow. His teachers were always impressed with how advanced he was.
Eclipse worked with him on magick a lot. He was getting good—but he wasn’t perfect… he still lost control every now and then.

Tomorrow was his eighth birthday.

He was celebrating it by having, so far, successfully snuck onto the roof.
Eclipse didn’t like Drake wandering off. He said something might happen.
Yet… here he was, watching the stars slowly fade away.




Chaucer was awake, pacing his room. Something was wrong he could feel it. He’d missed something, overlooked it… that’s when he finally remembered his son.

“Chaucer… come back to bed, it’s too early,” Marina yawned.

“I cannot sleep… I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh? What about?”

“Drake,” Chaucer sighed.

Marina woke up further. “Dracul?”

“Yes… He’s so distant. I feel like it’s our fault. I want to fix that.”

“… How?” Marina listened intently. She, too, felt at a loss on what to do.

“… Ah! I know! I’ll bring Drake hunting with me!” Chaucer stated.

“… Hunting? You think Drake will like that?” Marina wondered.

“Well, the hunting isn’t why you go. It’s the outdoors experience that’s the fun part. Just me and him, it’ll be perfect.”

“… Oh my, I think that’s a grand idea, Chaucer!”

“Yes. I’ll get him later today and we’ll leave tonight! We’ll go up north, I don’t think he’s ever seen snow… he’ll love it!”

Marina had some doubts on that… “Ice is dangerous for him, Chaucer.”

“I know, but I have an old friend who I know is currently up there. It would be safest to be sure we’re not around many people and I am sure it will be safe.” Chaucer replied, giving an assured nod.

“Oh friend…? Oh!” Marina smiled. “Severo hasn’t met Dracul yet, has he?”

Eclipse was lying in bed. After spending his days looking after an ever increasingly curious and powerful young boy, he often enjoyed his time 'alone'. The previous night in particular, when some idiot had decided it would be a grand idea to give the Prince a bag of candy, he'd had a nasty headache that was only now starting to go away.

As if on cue, Ellipsis burst into the room. After closing the door, he went on to explain what he had just heard the King and Queen say. Ellipsis was often given the task to gather information, keep an eye on the royals and run other errands. This allowed Eclipse to spend most of his time with the boy. He needed to be watched closer and closer every day. As powerful as Eclipse was, he couldn't be in two places at the same time. So, he had found a way.

Eclipse rested his head back down on the pillow and sighed. “Very well, I shall deal with it…” he said to Ellipsis.

“But how—” Ellipsis started, but was interrupted.

“I'll deal with it.” Eclipse broke in, speaking firmly, but not loudly. He knew Drake was on the roof again… but he would allow that, for now. Eclipse also had much better hearing now. “Go and try to find me some thicker robes...”

“You're going to go too?” The blue-robed Ellipsis asked, but Eclipse's only reply was a warning glare.

So Ellipsis headed out of the room, and Eclipse's glare turned to a small smile as an idea came to him. Perhaps this trip would be beneficial after all. He rested his head back on his pillow and glanced over to the cheerfully burning fire on the other side of the room. He did dislike the cold.

Drake had a new game. It was a staring contest with a Grand Dragon that had landed on the platform.

“Rrrrrrawr.”

“RAAAAAAWWR!!!!”

Drake raised his eyebrows. “Okay, you win.”

The dragon flapped its wings and roared again.

Drake didn't imitate that, he didn't have wings... he wished he had wings.

“Drake?”

Drake's head snapped to the side, hearing his name from a very unfamiliar voice. “... Dad?”

“Drake! Come on, we’re—... where are you?” Chaucer looked around the room. He was going to check the balcony; however… he wasn't a big fan of heights.

Drake debated just staying silent— but... he was curious as to what the King could possibly want with him.
He was better at getting down now; hardly slipped and wasn't as afraid of falling as he used to be.

Drake jumped down and landed on his balcony. “What?”

Chaucer turned back to the balcony. “Oh, I hadn't seen you there. Get ready, you and I are going hunting,” he said in a cheerful voice.

Drake gave him a confused look. “... What?”

“Get ready, dress warm! You and I are going hunting.” Chaucer repeated, still with the same cheerful voice though he did notice Drake hadn't come any closer.

Drake stared at him, still. “... What?”

“Hunting! Camping, I'm sure you've read about it. I am taking you up north to a hunting spot my father used to take me to.” Chaucer replied, again.

“Why?” Drake shook his head.

“Fun! Besides, you and I haven’t done anything in...”

“Three years six months two weeks and five days,” Drake finished in an un-amused voice.

“... Get your warmest clothes, pack for about a week, and then meet me downstairs in the study on the west wing.” Chaucer hadn’t been able to tell if Drake really did have the days so well memorized, or if he was being sarcastic… but sarcasm was the best bet.

“... Why?”

“For fun!”

“How is that fun?”

“Drake... It'll be fun, trust me—,”

“Why?”

Chaucer grinned. “You'll see,” he promised and walked out the door.

“...” Drake was rather annoyed by that... but... his curiosity out powered the annoyance. “But fun how?!” He called and walked further into his room.

Eclipse had heard. Of course he had heard. He had heard the footsteps of the King and his guards coming up the tower, and the King had a voice that carried pretty well. His balcony allowed him to hear every word. He was slightly satisfied with the way the boy spoke to his father now; hardly any respect at all, but he didn't have time to feel pleased with himself. Drake would not take long to pack, so Eclipse only waited four or five minutes before leaving his room and making his way to the west study.

He knocked on the door lightly. It was standard ceremony for guards to be at the door of the throne room, but the kingdom had no enemies, that they knew of, so security was not taken as seriously as it might have been. Hence, there were no guards at the door, nor probably, inside.

Chaucer was busying himself with preparations for the trip. “Come in!” He called.

Eclipse opened the door, and closed it behind himself once inside. “Good morning, your highness.” Eclipse greeted.

Chaucer looked over, “Oh.” He said and got back to his packing, “Hello Eclipse.”

Eclipse sighed inwardly. No Master Eclipse? Just 'Eclipse' now? He'd bet he would never get away with calling the King by his first name. Yet.

“Our young Prince tells me you are taking him on a hunting trip,” he said aloud. Despite the thoughts in his head, his tone was as neutral as ever.

“Yes. I am taking my son hunting,” Chaucer replied shortly.

He was slightly unnerved by how quickly Eclipse had arrived. Perhaps Drake had told him, and perhaps not. Chaucer wasn't sure.

Eclipse heard the additional suspicion in the King's voice. He wasn't usually this possessive over the boy. It was a tad bit annoying, but Eclipse knew it was not yet time for Chaucer to realize the truth, that Drake belonged to Eclipse. It was too early, the king might do something foolish... Eclipse couldn't risk that. He had to be careful...

“I see, are you quite sure you will be able to handle him? He does still lose control of his power sometimes...” Eclipse asked, his tone concerned, but with his mind, he was planting seeds of doubt in what to Eclipse seemed like the fertile, empty field of the King's mind.

Chaucer slowed in his packing... Thinking about it... he really didn't know how well Drake was progressing in his magick. He knew things kept catching fire, though...
“Where I plan on going that won't matter. It's risky here with all the books, but what could burn out in the snow?”

Your beard. Thought Eclipse, instantly, but he did not say it. “Well, it might not be a so much a case of what, as, who.” Is what he did say, while subtly putting images of rather disturbing burn injuries, and charred remains in his head.

Chaucer's eyes widened at the images and he shuddered. “He... he... he wouldn't harm me.”

“Not on purpose, no...”Eclipse conceded; his voice slow and hesitant. “But as I said, there have been... accidents.”

Images of the 'explosion' accident from about a year before, where two guards had been injured would somehow find their way to the top of the King's mind. Eclipse made sure of it.

Chaucer shuddered. “... I have to take him. I already told everyone I would. And he needs to spend time with me.”

“Of course your highness...” Eclipse said while putting thoughts of Eclipse quietly standing out of the way reading a book as Chaucer showed his son how to take out a Yan easily. No fire in sight, and Drake was smiling.

“I don't suppose... you wouldn't mind coming, would you, Master Eclipse? Just to be sure. Drake would be upset if he lost control, I don't want him upset.” Chaucer asked, though his voice was still unsure.

Eclipse gave a small smile and a slight bow. “It would be no bother at all, your highness. If you will excuse me, I should go and pack...”

Chaucer nodded and got back to work. “Be fast, the boat's prepared to leave.”

Eclipse made sure to send the King a mental image of his beard igniting as he left the room. Some small revenge, which he smiled over as he headed to the tower. He needed to find Ellipsis.

 Drake drug his bag to the hall. All of this was pointless in his opinion. He didn't want to go hunting.
Well... it'll be a new place to explore... he decided.

Chaucer had the boat loaded and prepared to set sail before he walked to the study in the west wing.
Drake was there, waiting. Despite how unhappy he looked, Chaucer took his presence as a good sign.

Though... his appearance was much different than Chaucer remembered. Drake was taller, of course, than he had been, but growth was a normal change every child went through, and he was still fairly small, perhaps the slightest bit smaller than the other kids his age... always had been, at least as far as Chaucer knew.

However, not many normal children changed color from age five to age eight.
Drake was pale, much more so than his parents who were a healthy tan.
His hair, which Chaucer had hoped was just a very, very dark brown, was now obviously pitch-black, even in the bright sunlight.
And his eyes... there was nothing natural about the color of his eyes.
Albinos would have pink eyes, red tints, but Drake's hair clearly showed he wasn't albino, and even if he was... the red in his eyes was too bright, too distinguished— a frightful blood-red shade. Chaucer couldn’t remember if they always had been… but it scared him.

As the door shut, the light in the room seemed to flee and only dimness remained. In that light, Drake's eyes almost seemed to glow.
He's still my son. Chaucer stated, feeling the need to remind himself.

Then other thoughts crossed his mind... like what kind of situation a father would have to be in to have to say that about an eight year old? What kind of parent was he that he had to come to the decision that despite their differences, Drake really was his?
It was a bit unnerving... He wished he could blame Drake's appearance on something. Marina hadn't been unfaithful, Drake looked just enough like both the king and queen to prove that.

Chaucer was hit by a wave of guilt caused by his own thoughts. Was he really this disturbed by his own son? This trip would do them both some good.
“Ready?”

Drake nodded once. “I suppose...”

“Grand. Go ahead and get on the boat,” Chaucer instructed.

Drake picked his bag up once again and followed his father to the boat.
He noticed Chaucer seemed to back up away from him before turning to lead the way, staying at least four feet ahead at all times.

“So… how goes your lessons? Are you gaining much control over your powers yet?”

Drake threw a fireball at the dock, causing a small hole to burn into the slippery wood.

Chaucer yelped and finally looked back.

Drake gave the slightest smile, “Some.”

Ellipsis came into the room quietly, he had not bothered to knock, but he didn't slam the door like earlier. “You wanted to see me?” He asked.

“Yes,” Eclipse started. He was on the balcony, sitting on the rail. This side of the tower was in the shade for the time being, “Did you manage to find some thicker robes?”

“I found you some thicker robes for the weather, yes.” Ellipsis replied. “So, you will be going?”

“In a manner of speaking...” Eclipse said as he came into the room and took a seat in the chair in front of the fireplace. It was fairly dark in the room, the other windows had thick unopened curtains, and none of the lamps were lit. This meant that Eclipse's pale face was illuminated only by the fire.
Flames seemed to dance over his skin.

“Oh?” Ellipsis asked, not liking the tone of Eclipse's voice, even though it was the same as it usually was, there was just a hint of something else hidden there.

“You will be going in my place,” Eclipse announced, a smile forming on his face. “As myself, understand?”

“But...You don't want to go yourself?” Ellipsis asked, already dreading the trip. He had hoped this would give him some time off.

“There is nothing that I can do there in front of his father that you cannot do,” Eclipse reasoned. “Keep a close eye on them,” he emphasized

“Alright...” Ellipsis said, and made his way to the door somberly.

Eclipse grinned; this would be the perfect opportunity to get some work done, and to test Ellipsis' ability to convince people that he was Eclipse. It would come in handy in the future Eclipse was sure.

The captain spread the wings on the boat, preparing for launch.
Drake climbed on after his father, but the boat did not immediately set sail.

“Aren’t we leaving?” Drake asked after a few minutes.

“Yes,” Chaucer sighed. “But we’re waiting… for Eclipse.”

Drake looked back over at Chaucer. “Eclipse is coming?”

“Well… it, um. I just wasn’t sure… how well can you control your fire?” Chaucer stumbled on his words.

“Oh. You’re afraid of me, too.” Drake said in a low, quiet voice.

“Hm? It’s just… a precaution. I’m not sure how well you can control your powers, yet…” Chaucer tried to explain. “You never show me anything; never tell me…”

“You haven’t done anything with me since I was five years old and got ill. Eclipse and Ellipsis have been there for me, no one else. So why should I show you anything?” Drake asked.

His question was honest— he did want to know. He wanted his father to explain where he’d been, why he’d abandoned him, why… everything.

However, Chaucer didn’t know what to say. It felt as if someone had walked over and told him he had an eight-year-old son whom he’d never met before. A son with deadly, chaotic and uncontrollable powers Chaucer knew nothing about. Staring at Drake felt like watching a smoking volcano and knowing you’d built your house underneath. If there was an eruption, you’d lose it all, but if there wasn’t then it was an amazing, wonderful, but terrifying view.

Chaucer looked away and walked to the bridge to give orders leaving Drake where he stood.

Ellipsis adjusted his thicker red robes. They kind of itched, but he would have to put up with it. A small part of him felt odd wearing this color— he had always known it was reserved for the leader of their people; a position a Lesser never had and never would have. The person who controlled everything and listened to no one but the Great Elders and, of course, Cináed. Eclipse was that person now. He had risen to the rank once it had been informed to everyone that he had, in fact, found Dragon. The previous leader could not compete with that, and his strength was no match for Eclipse's power... death was the only possible end.

Ellipsis did not want to be like Eclipse. Though he, too had been promoted when Drake had been found, this red color made it seem like he was taking credit for those who had died for Dragon to be found; as if he were wearing their blood… and there was something greatly unsettling about that. Dragon had to be found. Every Occultation, Pure or Lesser, knew that. They were taught it from childhood up and the Pure children were taught to fear what would happen if Dragon wasn’t found… they all might perish; the Lessers would outnumber them… it couldn’t be allowed.

Not only did Dragon have to be found, he had to be kept safe. Being in a physical form left him vulnerable. Eclipse was the one Cináed had trusted to be able to do that… if Dragon died, they didn’t know how long it would take for the cycle of souls to grant him life again… and every year that passed would decrease Cináed’s power. Poseidon wasn’t able to destroy Dragon before; but in a physical form… the greatest fear was death; especially if something happened to the soul as well. There were outlawed rituals that would shatter a person’s soul, never to allow them to return to life, never to exist again… if anything like that happened to Dragon, the Occultation Pures would all die out. Their power loss would be instant; once again the light of day would be able to destroy even the strongest of them; they could not survive without him…

Yet, so many lives had been lost to find him. Ellipsis didn’t blame Drake for that in anyway, he wasn’t the one responsible… but the one who was, Ellipsis had to impersonate…

He followed the dock hand who was carrying his luggage up the gangplank, and left the man to take it where it should be, while he walked up to the bridge, clearing his face of all emotion in his best attempt to imitate Eclipse... it was almost ironic. Eclipse had stolen his face, now here he was stealing Eclipse's.

“I apologize for holding you up, your highness…” Ellipsis said to the King.

All in all, Ellipsis had done rather well for a man that had only known he was going on this trip for less than twenty minutes, but he doubted the king would think so.

Chaucer did not even look at Ellipsis, he just told the captain to launch and off they went.

It took seven hours to get there. Seven hours on a ship designed for speed. It could race airships.

Yet it still took seven hours on a little tiny boat.

And Drake was going insane.

“I want off the boat! Off the boat, anywhere but on the boat!” Several times he'd thought about jumping off the boat, but there were things in the water that were alive and had teeth and were much, much, much bigger than Drake.
It was getting cold! Far colder than anything Drake had ever been in before. The water became clearer, crisper, and up ahead it seemed to turn white...

Ellipsis had only been this far north once or twice before, and he too was noticing the cold. He was up on deck, keeping an eye on Drake while also avoiding the King as much as possible. Ellipsis had never liked to be in the King's presence, and he didn't have Eclipse's power over minds… The first few hours hadn’t been so bad, but… this trip was far too long and the King brought nothing for Drake to do! Ellipsis had no idea why anyone, yet alone the boy’s own father, would think a child with as much trouble as Drake had keeping attention would be able to be on the tiny boat with nothing to do this long! To be honest, Ellipsis was impressed Drake lasted as long as he did… he himself was bored and he didn’t get bored easy.

“Don’t jump off the boat… It’ll be colder.” Ellipsis advised, giving a shiver.

He was glad that he had found the thicker robes. They were already starting to pay off, even if they were itchy and heavy. He almost wanted to rub up against the ship, just to get some relief, but there was no way Eclipse would do that. Being this much on edge all the time was almost maddening, but he knew he had to get used to it.

Drake was doing far worse, he noticed. It was logical, though... he was a fire element. The cold would hurt him, easily. Ellipsis bet that was another reason Eclipse chose not to come... and that, too, was maddening! It meant Ellipsis not only had to worry about pretending to be Eclipse, but he also had to be the one to deal with a fire element in a frigid environment! If Drake got ill or hurt or anything it would all be on Ellipsis rather than Eclipse. It angered him... how dare Eclipse do this to him! Drake had never been in the snow before, who knew what would happen? Eclipse got to lounge around the tower alone and relax while all the burden was put on Ellipsis's shoulders... it was in no way fair or just... Drake had been so sick... Ellipsis had been sure he would not survive the last time. It had been nearly a full year before he'd recovered, and Ellipsis was almost ashamed to admit he worried more about losing Drake… than Dragon... Then again, if Drake caught a cold or something, perhaps they could go home earlier... and he wouldn't move around as much leading to less trouble.

The ship docked on the shore of a white island. Snow everywhere.

The attendants set up four tents, put the bags in the center, and then left... on the boat, as if fleeing a crime scene.

Leaving Chaucer, Drake and Ellipsis stranded on the snow covered island. It was almost as if they were forgetting that they were abandoning their King and their Prince, the heir to the throne, on an unprotected island, Ellipsis thought. He almost yelled for them to come back, but he realized Eclipse would never do that… he wouldn’t need to.

“Alright then! Let's set up camp!” Chaucer grinned and walked over to the camp.

“... Set up? This is... this is the place?” Drake asked, blinking an awful lot.

“Yes! Isn't it grand? Nothing but animals and monsters on this entire island! Now, I'll go see if I can find some firewood.” Chaucer walked further into the island toward a snow-covered forest, humming.

Drake looked back at the boat, then at the water. If I'm fast... I bet I could make it.

Ellipsis had folded his arms like Eclipse often did, however in this case it was a barely disguised attempt to keep warm. He was not surprised when he saw his breath in the air when he spoke.

“Don't like the cold?” He asked the young prince, trying to see if there was any obvious reaction to the cold yet. Though, he realized too late that Eclipse wouldn't have asked...

“No.” Drake shook his head, “It feels wrong. Makes me tired.”

Ellipsis considered this for a moment... He wondered if mentioning something to the King would let them forget about this and go home, but... the boat was gone. Ellipsis then focused on how irresponsible it was of King Chaucer to not see that bringing a baby fire element to a frozen continent might be a bad idea. Still, Ellipsis realized the list of people to blame for anything that happened was increasing, but would be ignored in the end...

“Come on, Dracula!” Chaucer called.

Drake growled a sigh and stomped through the snow, doing his best to follow his father's footsteps, literally.

Ellipsis took up the rear. He could keep an eye on everyone, and shiver in peace... He had his doubts anything actually lived out here. It was too cold. Even the trees were sparse.

Chaucer stopped in the middle of the snow-covered trees.

“These won't work for a fire; we need to find trees that will burn. Winter is just beginning, and the monsters are seeking any scrap of food or heat they can. So, we get a fire going, and throw on one of these bags. The meat inside is spoiled, useless to us, but the animals will come to it. The fire will cause the scent to spread faster and stronger.”
He spotted a figure in the near distance, and smiled to himself.

“Why won't these trees work?” Drake asked.

Chaucer laughed. “They won't light, I've tried. It takes patience, Drake. It's calming. Nothing to do, nowhere to be, just time to relax and think. Maybe do some reading.”

“I thought you said we were here for a reason,” Drake grumbled.

“Hunting... yes, well, a person doesn't go hunting to hunt. They go to relax and enjoy nature. The hunt is just an excuse.” Chaucer chuckled, already starting to walk again, toward the figure who was looking in the other direction.

“So... we walk around in the cold with nothing to do?” Drake asked.

“That is the basic idea, yes. Until we can get something that will burn which usually takes four or five hours.”

Chaucer walked ahead and didn't notice that he wasn't being followed.

Ellipsis and Drake glared at the direction he went, and both looked back toward the ocean at the same time, as if attempting to force the boat to be there by pure will alone... regretfully, it did not happen.

Drake shivered, already fed up with the cold. It seemed to burn his lungs when he breathed, choke him, crush him. It did to him what smoke did to others, and he was through with that!

Looking around, Drake spotted a tree only sparely covered with snow.
He examined the tree for a moment, thinking, judging, debating and then focused his energy.
It warmed him for a moment, but Drake knew just keeping the internal burn would be a waste of energy in the long run. He held out his right arm toward the tree and closed his eyes, imagining what he wanted.
Drake let that desire build and build until it was too large to be contained, and then he released it. A ball of blue and black fire flew from his palm at the tree, the moment it touched the entire tree ignited into a red-hot fire.

Ellipsis put a hand on the boy's shoulder and gave him a small smile. He knew Eclipse would be pleased that Drake had made such an impressive display in front of his father. Not to mention, Ellipsis was more than a little grateful for some warmth, enough to ignore the fact that such praise was something Eclipse would never give.

Up ahead, the one leading the party, the one Chaucer had walked to meet, spun around. The King's lead hunter/escort was a black wolf, just slightly taller than Ellipsis, who was rather tall for a human.

The wolf man had dark black fur, large ears with a small tear in one, and simple gold earrings on both. He wore large black boots, leather trousers and a thick leather coat, which extended to near his knees; it was lined with white fur.

His muzzle resembled that of a normal wolf, and it sometimes made it hard to understand what he was saying. It also gave him a rather intimidating appearance.
He had a large and well-worn longbow over his shoulder, as well as a quiver of oddly colored arrows. He wore black gloves that only covered his hands to the knuckles, he had dark claws at the tips, but they were short enough to not interfere with most things.

His large yellow eyes stared at the flaming tree, and then to the boy. The King had mentioned his son had great power, but...

Chaucer fell back from the shocking sound and sudden heat. To say he was startled would be the understatement of the century.
He'd walked far enough to meet up with the figure he had seen, Severo, an avid hunter Chaucer often hired as protection during these trips.
Chaucer had sent word ahead of time to tell Severo they were coming, and also to warn him of Drake's... habits.

“That... um... sorry.” Chaucer apologized as he got up, “Dracula! A little bit of warning would have been helpful!”

Drake just grinned and watched the tree fall over.

“Quite the interesting son you have, Chaucer.” Severo announced as way of greeting the King.
He obviously came from somewhere that was not the King's domain, but he did have a certain amount of respect. That did not extend to bowing, and numerous 'your highness's. He was a person of the outdoors, and would be as much out of place in the palace, as Ellipsis was here.

Ellipsis was curious about the wolf man, but he was also interested in the fire, and moved closer to it. He could observe them just as well from there anyway.

Drake followed Ellipsis closer to the fire. His desire for the heat was greater, for the moment, than his desire to explore anything.

“Yes... very interesting.” Chaucer sighed, “I hope he won't cause any problems? I needed to get him out of the palace. I haven’t been able to spend time with him in... well, a very long time. Master Eclipse is Drake's advisor, he is here to try and keep things from exploding. And has done a wonderful job so far... I wish I could, but I cannot offer much assurance that you'll be safe in the event that Dracula's unusual abilities get out of hand. Eclipse has promised to do his best to keep these 'events' contained, though.”

If Severo was worried by the boy, he didn't show it. Instead, he looked toward the pale man. “No, it's quite alright. I'm sure this Eclipse person is quite competent.” He said reassuringly, and Ellipsis gave a slight nod of his head in both agreement and modest thanks.

Severo turned his attention back to the King. He sniffed the air a little, and closed his eyes slightly, like a man smelling sweet flowers, “I see that you didn't neglect the lure.” he commented, referring to the meat in the bag.

Chaucer looked at the bag. “Yes, I remembered.”

“Pork?” Severo asked, slightly surprised. “Should work quite well… It's scent usually travels pretty far.”

Ellipsis watched the wolf man. He was obviously an experienced hunter, and knew a lot about meat, apparently. He found himself hoping that they would not run low on food.

Chaucer laughed. “As you told me last time, this is the preferred bait for the beasts of this area, right? I brought plenty, I should think. I'm sorry I did not give more of a warning before arrival, is the game good this time of year?”


Drake played around with the fire for a while and then wandered off a bit. Now that he was warm he was running low on things to complain about, so he let his curious side take charge and he investigated his surroundings.

“It could be better.” Severo said, rearranging the bow on his shoulder, “But some rare game should be around now, which might make up for it.”

Ellipsis watched Drake start to head off. A quick look to the King and the new hunter said that they either didn't notice, or didn't care, so he started to follow Drake.

Drake didn't go too far, he knew better than to do that.
But he did find a cave and that fascinated him.
What was in it? That was always the big question. It was like when someone gave you a present. What's inside hits your mind before 'why has it been given to me' it didn't matter if the box or bag was big or small. The cave's opening was small, half buried in the snow, but the question remained.
It was a question Drake was going to find the answer to.
“Ooo, cave!” His eyes lit up as he switched directions and headed for the half-buried mystery.

Ellipsis followed the boy; surely he wasn't foolish enough to go into an unknown cave? He wasn't as good as Drake in the snow; it was hard to keep up, it had surprised him how fast the boy could move in such weather.

“Drake!” Ellipsis called, but the wind carried his voice away.

Chaucer tossed the pork into the fire. “As long as we catch something, that's all that matters...” He decided, though something was bothering him.



Drake didn't hear his name, or he would have stopped. He doubted his father would notice him missing and if Eclipse wanted him, he'd know, as Eclipse had a way of speaking silently, like a voice in your head.
So Drake assumed he was in no way ignoring any call.
He reached the cave and did, indeed, crawl inside.
Once inside, he could stand up. It was much bigger than the opening was.

“Wow.” Drake marveled as he looked around, walking further into the cave.
There were scratches in the wall... large crevices in the stone.
It wasn’t as cold in here, the wind was blocked.

Ellipsis growled in frustration as he saw the boy disappear inside the cave. Less than an hour here and already Drake had gotten himself in trouble. For someone as valuable as he was, he sure did not hesitate when it came to risks... it was amazing Eclipse had not been able to train that out of him yet— unless it was on purpose... Perhaps Eclipse let him be reckless because it made Eclipse all the more valuable for being able to control him.

Ellipsis made it to the entrance of the cave, and called Drake's name again.

Drake looked toward the entrance, hearing his name. “... What?” He called and reluctantly headed back to the entrance.


Chaucer looked around, that's when he realized what was wrong. “... I believe I just lost my son...”

“And Snow White.” Severo observed, meaning 'Eclipse'. He then sniffed the air, trying to figure where they had gone.

“What are you doing in here?!” Ellipsis demanded, while climbing through the small entrance. Once inside, Ellipsis did notice the change in temperature. The wind chill was certainly high outside. Still, it was dark, and he was worried about what might have taken refuge in the small cave.

“I don't know... Exploring.” Drake shrugged, “It's not as cold in here.”

“Yaaaaaaaaaan!”

Drake looked behind him into the pitch darkness. “... What's that thing?”