A Vampire's Ode: The Ballad of Count Malachi

As the afternoon continued, the soldiers only became fiercer and more worked up. Each battlement ready to outdo the rest with their impressive battle strategies. Alex looked over at Governor Tepes battlement where Vlad took his place, he was indeed impressive. Raised in war and politics and taught nothing else but manipulation and skill of power and might.

While all the other soldiers seemed to be slightly out of breath from wearing heavy gear and dawning their swords, Vlad was cool and calm under his silver and gold amor plates and head wear. Truly impressed by his skill, the crowd cheered and clapped at the young lord as he made his way through maneuvers.

After some time, the show of strength through houses were over, many of the men returned to their position ranks until further orders were given. After a while, the field was silent as they awaited Governor Tepes to take his stand from his seat.

"Noblemen and Noblewomen, I am honored that you have come today, I am surrounded by strength and loyalty that each of you bring to our noble cause to protect. In times such as these, when the shadows of our enemy's loom over our lands, it is the loyalty of true allies that shines brightest. Strength, my friends, is not merely a matter of might, but a testament to one's character. It is the inner resolve to stand firm in the face of adversity. As we stand together today, united in purpose and resolute, let us remember the importance of what we do here today given to us through freedom. Our esteemed guest for this practice is the Count Dragomir and the Lady Dragomir and for this purpose, she will choose the next activities." The Governor motioned for Helena to stand to make the proclamation.

Helena stood and cautiously approached the stand, "I choose... a show of strength and wisdom in the field through hand-to-hand combat."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as they looked at the beautiful Helena. Who raised her hand for silence.

"Furthermore... in honor of today activities, I have also been charged with the festivities... a masquerade ball to honor the house of Malachi and their commitment to our homeland and the many fineries afforded to us." She said with a commanding voice.

The crowd erupted into cheers yet again at the surprise. Alex was taken back by the gesture as he met Helena eyes who smiled at him. His heart both warmed and sped up in his chest, beating faster than a Transylvania horse could run. Alex looked over at Vlad, who only looked at him then back at his first captain. Alex couldn't see the look on his friend's face, but if he had to guess, it wasn't a pleasant look.

****

It was time for captains to choose who was to take the field for the bouts. For Count Beaufort a tall – skinny man wearing black-soot armor stepped forward with a long staff adorned with sharp tips. For the Countess Rosalind, a tall and wide warrior wearing sharp-edged leather armor stepped forward. Two other representative guards from noble houses stepped forward leaving one other army. The main army of Governor Tepes.

"I call upon thee, Vladimir Tepes, son of the great Lord Tepes for the show of strength, honor, and wisdom." Called the captain of the guard.

Clad in all his shined armor, Vlad stepped out from the ranks and stepped forward. He stopped at attention just in front of the captain and raised his long-hilted sword to the heavens. "I except my position, with honor, humbleness and pride for my people."

Once all men had taken their positions, the crowd erupted into cheers and for their perspective lord's army. The governor raised his hand to quiet the crowd as he looked out over the field. With his brows furrowed, he counted each guard twice over.

"it seems we are short one noble household. We will not be able to move forward should we not fill this spot. We cannot ask of two guards of the same noble household to join." He shook his head with displeasure.