Blood:- The Eternal Struggle. Chapter 2:- By Order of The High Chancellor

[Stormtrooper1990]

Following her successful Infiltration of the Cult of Sanguinis, and subsequent night of passion with the beautiful Katrina, Anna as awoken to an empty bed and even more questions then answers. However, as Anna is about to discover the Cult of Sanguinis was only the beginning.



As shafts of morning light pierced through the gloom of Anna's room, she awoke from what was the best sex she had had in a while. " Morning, sleepyhead." She said as she grasped to find the naked body of Katrina, only to find empty space. She blinked and cursed under her breath, that was the first time a woman had ever ran out on her. Usually it was she that would sneak into a comely young girl's room, seduce her, drink from her and leave without as much as a note on the nightstand. As she rolled over onto her back naked, sighing with disappointment, she caught sight of a note on her bedside table with a small vial of blood on top of it. Sitting up she reached out and opened the note.

" Dearest Anna

I want to apologise for running out on you, this morning. I want you to know that last night was the most amazing night I have spent in a while, I had forgotten how sensual sex with a vampire was. You were magnificent.

I have to report what we witnessed to a friend, don't worry I won't mention everything. They don't need to now about us. I took the liberty of providing you with a vial of my blood, call it a token that I will never again betray your trust.

I hope that last night meant more to you, then a simple casual fling. I would like to get to know the real Anna Volker.

Love Katrina xxx"

Anna re-read the note twice, she couldn't bring herself to feel anger towards Katrina, if anything she felt even more smitten by the young Novice. Smiling, Anna took the vial of blood and looped it over her head, were it rested above her heart, then walked over to her wardrobe, getting dressed in her leather trousers and white undershirt, tucking the note into her trouser pocket. As she proceeded downstairs to the bar, she was surprised to see one or dockworkers sitting around the private booths. "Anna, my dear. I see you had a good night with the lovely Katrina, she left about an hour ago." Came the voice of Syrion as she perched herself on a bar stool. " Get me a nice pint of courtesan, Syrion. I think I'am in love." Syrion smiled as he busied himself with her blood. " Of all the years I have had the pleasure of calling you friend, I have never seen you so taken by one woman. Thinking of settling down, Anna?" He added as he handed her blood. " She isn't just any woman, Syrion. Katrina is an Half-Elf." She gulped down a measure of blood, as the look on Syrion's face turned grave. " Yes I thought as much, we elves can sense each other even Half-Elves. What do you know about them, Anna?" Anna had to admit, she only knew of their existence and that were rare. She told as much to Syrion. " You know that Half-Elves are born sterile, right? They cannot procreate. They also have the strengths of both races, but the weaknesses of neither. They are quick of wit and extremely agile, and very beautiful. I can see why you are so taken with her. There is one other thing, you should know about her Anna." He still had grave look as he lent in, his hands on the bar." After taking another measure of blood, Anna fixed him with an amused stare. " Don't tell me Syrion, she is secretly a mad vampire slayer, who sleeps with a vial of holy water and silver sword under her pillow." Syrion looked at her, a look of fatherly concern on his face, but before he could answer the bar door bell rang. Anna smiled hoping it was the lovely Katrina, here so they could pick up where they left off, she turned to see a messenger wearing the red livery of the House of the High Chancellor. The Stormward coat of arms, crossed lightning bolts over a dark blue shield, embrioded proudly on his chest. He took out a small letter from his pocket, drawing stares from curious dockworkers " Ms Volker, you are hereby invited to an audience with His Grace Duke Allenby, Chief of Staff and Spymaster to His Excellency the High Chancellor. A car will be sent for you, at 6 o'clock this evening, and drive you to the Spire. Present this letter to the Watchmen at the Spire guard station, and you be escorted to the Dukes private villa, my lady." With that he gave Anna the letter, and with a courtly bow turned to leave the pub. Anna turned to Syrion. " You seriously need to invest in one of those clockwork butlers." Syrion took the letter, sealed with the wax mark of Stormward. " An audience with his Grace, moving up in the world, eh Anna?" Anna took the letter from his hands, grinning. " I know I don't even have anything to wear." She said as she downed the last of her blood.


Anna, dressed in her best form fitting leather but unarmed, waited outside The Wracked Man for her ride to The Spire, she glanced at her clockwork wristwatch, it was five minutes to six. Suddenly, she saw a black steam limousine, with the coat of arms of Stormward on the driver side door coming towards her, pulling up right outside the pub. It was being driven by a male Watchman, the passenger side door opened and Anna grinned widely. " Hello Katrina. You look lovely as ever." Katrina smiled as she took the flirt, she was dressed in her Novice uniform but was wearing her hat from last night. " Jump in, Anna. I'am your escort." Needing no invitation, Anna got in as Katrina shuffled to make room and closed the door. After she ordered the driver to pull away, she snuggled close to Anna, touching shoulders. " I got your gift, Kat. And your letter. Thank you, I'am wearing it now by the way." Katrina smiled, discreetly squeezing her hand. " I meant every word. I will never betray you again, Anna. What was last night to you?" Anna looked at her big beautiful eyes, enchanted by her beauty. " It was beautiful, wonderful. Katrina, I have had many women over the years, you are the first I have felt anything for beyond simple desire. I want to explore that with you." Katrina squeezed her hand again. " I look forward to it, are you thirsty love? The limo is stocked with blood." Anna leant back, as Katrina poured her out a measure of blood into a crystal decanter.



It took the limo ten minutes, to drive to the nobles quarter, the home of the Ice Spire and the rich villas of nobles who were not wealthy enough to afford a residence in the Spire. The driver got out, opening the door for the couple as Katrina got out first, offering her hand to Anna, she took it as she got out of the car. As the limo drove away, Anna fell into step beside her lover. " Remember Anna. We must be discreet, they mustn't now about our relationship. Relations between vampires and mortals are not exactly permitted, in fact we face more stigma then a Human-Elf coupling." Anna shook her head, smiling. "You think they have a tick-box for vampire/Half-Elf?" That drew a wan smile from Katrina. " I doubt it there are only 200 in the City, and we cannot breed." As they neared the guard station, they presented their invitations to a female elite guard, a dark haired vampire wearing a crimson greatcoat and fur-lined helmet, holding an ornate gun-halberd. " Ms Volker and Ms Vandenberg, the duke is expecting you. If you step onto the great elevator I will take right up, I'am First Lieutenant Jordis." As she lead them down a icy tunnel, covered by tapestries representing the twelve noble houses that founded Stormward, Lieutenant Jordis addressed Anna. " It's good to see a fellow vampire in here, Ms Volker. It's about time the Chancellor saw us less as muscle and more as citizens." As they entered the lift, Anna turned to the Lieutenant. " I'am just as amazed as you are, Jordis. Why would the Chief of Staff want to meet a mercenary, like me?" Anna could have sworn she saw a smirk dance across Katrina's face as the lift ascended.


The Ice Spire was the tallest structure on the continent of Darala, standing at 1km above sea level. The great lift was the only way to access the floors, unless one was feeling brave, and wanted to climb on the exterior, through an open window. The Villa of the Chief of Staff Duke Allenby, was close to the middle of the spire, as was most of the Chancellor's Cabinet, the top floors being reserved for the High-Chancellor's family, staff and headquarters of the City Watch. As the lift ground to a halt, on floor 500, Jordis led them through the doors and through a icy corridor lined with oil paintings of past Chiefs of staffs, underwhich were their busts, carved out of ice. She knocked out the front doors, they opened revealing a young pretty human spire maid. Her uniform consisted of a tight buttoned long-sleeve shirt black shirt, with matching tight trousers with red piping down the seams, and white ankle socks, with black pumps on her feet. A small frilly apron around her waist, and matching hat perched above her light brown hair. " Yes, Can I help you?" Jordis handed her their letters. " Ms' Volker and Vandenberg to see His Grace the Duke." The maid nodded. " That's right, your his 7 o'clock appointment, this way please. Thank you Lieutenant." They flashed Jordis a parting smile, as the maid led them inside. She led them through the carpeted foyer, up a grand staircase made of ice and down a corridor lined with more paintings and tapestries, she finally knocked on a pair of large oak wooden doors. " You Grace, Ms' Volker and Vandenberg here to see you." After hearing a friendly 'enter' they were led inside.

There sat at his table, his back to a massive window that afforded him a view of the entirety of Stormward, was Chief-of-Staff and Spymaster Duke Victor Allenby. A man of 65 summers, the Duke had a face chiselled with experience, narrow blue eyes, framed by square spectacles and a thatch of white hair on his head. " Ah ladies, please have a seat." As they took their seats, the Duke walked to his decanter. " I believe you favour a snifter of Stormward's finest Brandy, Novice Vandenberg. Am I correct?" He held out a small glass of amber liquid to her. Katrina's eyes widened in surprise as she took the proffered drink. " It's been a while since, I partook but thank you." She sniffed the glass, before taking a sip. " And, Ms Volker. I have something here, I think you might appreciate." The duke handed her a glass of blood. " Freshly prepared from my maid outside." Surprised Anna took the glass, taking a small measure appreciating the sweet flavour. " My compliments to your maid, Your Grace. She is of a fine vintage." As he sat down behind his desk, he regarded them with his ice blue eyes. " I here that you two, were very busy last night. Ambushing cultists, stealing their clothes and infiltrating that thrice cursed Cult. Where you learned a great many things, disturbing things." Anna fixed Katrina with a stare as she drank another measure of blood. " I see that my friend here as already filled you in on the details, I take it you disapprove." Allenby drank a measure of brandy, before he replied. " I have my spies hidden throughout the city, no-one so much as sneezes without me hearing about it, but yes it was young Katrina here told me about the cult, it's members and the ...ritual you both witnessed. And I approve of your actions. With coming to me instead of her superiors, Katrina has given us the chance to end this quietly without a public spectacle. Which is why I brought you both here." Anna lent forward taking a gulp of her blood, her interest piqued. " I would like to offer you both admittance into the Hidden Hands, my intelligence network. You have both proven your aptitude for stealth and disguise, would both make fine additions to the Hands." Anna lent back into her chair. " What's in it for us, your Grace?" Allenby took a sip of his amber liquid. " You will both be paid handsomely of course, and have access to the most extensive spy network in the Northern Kingdoms. And for you Anna, recognition for your people, the first Vampire in the court of the High Chancellor. What do you say?" Anna had to admit the offer seemed to good to be true, but she wanted answers to so many unanswered questions. If the network knew about Gisella or Nocturne then it would be worth accepting, and then the possibility of working with Katrina again, made her loins sing. Making up her mind, Anna gave her answer. " I accept your Grace, I appreciate the honour." The duke smiled at her. "That's good to hear, what about you Miss Vandenberg?" Katrina looked sideways at Anna, before answering. " I'am afraid that I must decline." Anna shot her a surprised look. " My position as a member of the Holy Inquisition, precludes me from joining the Hands. If I accept, then I run the risk of incurring the wrath of Knight-Commander Josephia. And I wouldn't want those I care about to be put at risk." She shot a glance at her lover, Anna couldn't find it in her dead heart to be angry at her but felt disappointment nonetheless. The Duke sat back, also disappointed. " I understand, Novice. I know how stubborn our Knight-Commander can be. I apologise for putting you in this position. But should you desire a change of pace, the offer stands." Katrina smiled as she finished the last of her brandy. Bading them farewell, Katrina discreetly ran her fingers across Anna's forearm as she left. Allenby turned back to Anna. "Now, here are the details of your first assignment, Anna. How good are you with heights?"


As it turned out, Anna had no problem scaling an Icy Spire with only her crossbow and Vampire claws, Her only regret was she was doing this alone, she hadn't seen hide nor hair of her lover, since the meeting in Allenby's office two days ago and she was getting worried. Anna hoped see hadn't been punished by the Holier-than-thou arseholes. A gust of wind that almost sent her over a hundred stories down, snapped her back on mission. Anna's first assignment for the Hands was to infiltrate the Villa of the Earl of Musgrave, and find evidence of his involvement with the cult or Nocturne, either one would land him in the Glacial Grottos under the spire. The plan was Anna had to infiltrate the Villa through the kitchen storeroom window, then find a maid steal her uniform and search the Earls study. It helped that the Earl had been called away, on urgent business to his Whale Slaughterhouse, allowing Anna the precious time needed to rifle through his drawers. As she neared the open window to the storeroom, she spotted a comely young Spire maid with her back to the window. It was time for some fun, thought Anna as she hopped through the window.


Upon hearing the sound of footsteps behind her the young human maid turned around. " Who are you? This is a private residence. Lea-" Appling a little mind manipulation, Anna addressed the maid. " Shh! HUSH little one, do not be afraid. My name is Anna. I'am a FRIEND." The young maids eyes glazed over. She read the girls mind, finding her name. " Your name is Margot Jacobsen. A pretty name for a pretty maid." Upon learning her name, Anna had complete control over the humans weak mind. "Yes, mistress Anna. How can Margot serve my friend?." Now that the girl was under her sway, Anna appraised her. She was a looker, about 21 summers old, with slender cheekbones, blue open eyes and a smooth rounded face with honey blonde hair done up in a bun. Here spire maid uniform hugged her slim attractive figure, emphasising her C-cup breasts and tight pert bottom. Anna started to strip off her clothes. " Margot, could you be a dear and STRIP off your uniform, and your underwear as well, give them to me." Margot removed her apron from around her waist, then her hat. " Yes, friend Anna. You can have it all." The maid said as she unbuttoned her shirt, dropping it to the floor, then unclasping her solid white bra letting it fall to the ground, exposing her well rounded, firm c-cup breasts with rose petal light pink perky areolas. As the maid removed her shoes and socks, Anna smiled, mind manipulation was her favourite vampirism ability. Allowing her complete dominance over the weak minded, seeing a woman strip herself for her was one of the many pleasures Anna felt as a vampire. The maid then unbuttoned her trousers, peeling them down her long divine legs, revealing a matching white thong that the maid also peeled off, exposing her small trimmed pink vulva, crowned with a tuft of honey blonde pubic hair. The maid slid her uniform and underwear to Anna, but Anna wasn't finished yet. With both women completely naked, Anna gestured to Margot. "COME to me my pretty sweet Margot." Margot walked towards Anna, her C-cup breasts gently wobbling, sending fire through Anna's breasts and loins, Anna embraced her. " You will not remember our meeting, nor my face. I will send you into a blissful sleep for 8 hours. Upon waking this was all a dream. Now SLEEP." The naked Margot fell in Anna's arms, smiling she gently lowered her to the floor. One hand on her firm buttocks, caressing it, Anna bit her on her neck, sucking a little of her blood. When she was finished, she sealed up the bite marks using the healing factor of her blood, and deposited the naked, sleeping Margot in an empty basket. She then got dressed in her stolen maids uniform, including the underwear, and exited the storeroom, locking it behind her with the maids keys.


Using Margots uniform, Anna made her way to Musgraves study, past busy servants going about their duties, it's location memorised through the drinking of Margots blood and that wasn't all. It seemed Margot was the "favoured" servant of the randy Earl, and knew that he kept his most important documents in his safe, and had memorised the combination "842".Smiling at her luck, Anna picked up a feather duster from a nearby table, if she was wearing the uniform she had to look the part. As soon as she found herself outside Musgraves study, she tried the door, finding it locked. Using Margots keys, she unlocked the study door, entered quickly and locked it behind her. The study of the Minister for Finance wasn't as grand or opulent as Allenbys but still afforded a grand view of Stormward, Anna found the safe in the righthand corner of the room guarded by a huge stuffed polar bear. She walked over to the large round safe, inputting the combination, she had gleaned from the mind of Margot. The safes mechanism opened to reveal three letters, all stamped with the wax seal of the Vampire Nation of Nocturne. Without looking at the evidence, Anna scooped up everything she could see, folding them neatly and putting them into her stolen trouser pocket. Then closed the safe, and quickly excited the room, locking it behind her.


Anna quickly retraced her steps back to the storeroom, pausing occasionally to dust the odd shelf or table, so as to use her disguise to her best advantage. When she got back to the storeroom, she locked it behind her and stripped off her maid disguise, stashing it inside another empty basket, next to the one that contained the naked sleeping Margot. Anna redressed in her leather armour, putting the stolen letters into her cape pocket, and when she was finished, Anna climbed to the open window. Leaning out, she fired a rope bolt onto the exterior ice wall, beginning the arduous 30 floor ascent to the Spymasters Villa.


" Well done, Anna. This is exactly what we needed, while we do not have a full list of his conspirators. We have plenty of evidence to have Musgrave mining in the Grottos for a long time. You have certainly earned your pay. You didn't run into any complications, I trust?" Came the voice of His Grace Duke Allenby, the two of them were sitting on his study. The climb to his villa had taken Anna 3 hours to make, and she was feeling a little sore but fulfilled. " Just the climb, and I put a maid to sleep, stole her uniform, but she will be fine. She won't wake up till sun up. " Allenby smiled, depositing a large bag of gold sovereigns on his desk, which Anna scooped up. " Get some rest, Anna. We have only just begun our hunt for the Sanguinis in our midst." He held out his hand, Anna shook it firmly as she took her leave of the Duke.



Anna took a taxi back to the Wracked Man, the drivers eyes widening as he was paid a single gold sovereign for his fare. He even bit down on it to test it if it was real. As Anna entered the pub, busy at this late hour with dockers and courtesans alike, she found Syrion cleaning a glass behind the bar. He gestured to a hooded female figure, sat at the bar. Anna smiled. " Where have you been, Kat? You had me wo-" She stopped as he saw the woman take down her hood. It wasn't Katrina, this girl had shoulder length raven hair. " I' am not Katrina, my name is Novice Annabel and Katrina is my friend. She told me if anything happened to her, that you are the first person I come to." Anna had a grave feeling. " Tell me, were is she. What as happened?" Annabel paused before saying anything, then whispered in her ear. " She has been arrested, for colluding with a vampire, and treason againist the Holy Church. They have her locked up in the Ordos Cloister in the Holy Quarter." Anna shot Syrion a nervous look, it was a place from which few accused returned. She turned back to Annabel. " Tell me everything, leave nothing out. How in the 5 hells did the Ordos find out about us."

[meditions142]

Like the way this story is building. Very clever set up for future adventures.

And of course you out did yourself with the scene with Margot. So sexy.

Amazing how quickly and completely Anna gained control of Margot's mind. Margot was immediately totally under her control with no resistance at all. The description of Margot stripping herself is wonderful.

And I love the imagery of Anna simply commanding "SLEEP" and lovely Margot slumps into her arms deeply asleep.

Very sexy scene indeed!

[Stormtrooper1990]

Like the way this story is building. Very clever set up for future adventures.

And of course you out did yourself with the scene with Margot. So sexy.

Amazing how quickly and completely Anna gained control of Margot's mind. Margot was immediately totally under her control with no resistance at all. And I love the imagery of Anna simply commanding "SLEEP" and lovely Margot slumps into her arms deeply asleep.

Very sexy scene indeed!

Thanks meditions

I really had fun writing up Margot's scene, it was inspired by elements of Vampire Diaries mixed in with Interview with the Vampire (The classic movie). It was the scene in the Theatre des Vampires, when Antonio Banderas hypnotised a young girl before stripping her then his coven feed from her. Of course, Margot is more fortunate then that poor girl.

I wanted to pay homage to that iconic scene, making it just has sexy but have a happy ending for our victim.

I wanted to showcase how powerful Anna's powers of suggestion are, on the weak minded. Of course it doesn't work on everyone, such as knights and those trained to resist such power, or vampires.

And of course Anna, used it to her full advantage. Even having some fun along the way.

Anna, now has to find a way to rescue Katrina from the clutches of the Holy Ordos. Which will present new challenges, and a new uniform to steal.

[meditions142]

[/quote]

I wanted to showcase how powerful Anna's powers of suggestion are, on the weak minded.

[/quote]

It sure did have a powerful effect on lovely Margot. She was instantly under Anna's full control. Will be fun to see Anna deploy her mind manipulation abilities on some sentries!

[Stormtrooper1990]

I wanted to showcase how powerful Anna's powers of suggestion are, on the weak minded.

[/quote]

It sure did have a powerful effect on lovely Margot. She was instantly under Anna's full control. Will be fun to see Anna deploy her mind manipulation abilities on some sentries!
[/quote]

Some of the lower ranking novices of the Church, like Katrina, certainly. They haven't recieved the training to resist her advances. Which makes them, prime targets for a little of Anna's manipulation, since they will always be deployed on sentry duty. And City Watch Guards, who I want to feature later in the series.

For the next story I want to showcase more uses of the mind control, that it can be used to lure a sentry off her patrol route and into the shadows, using illusions and false sounds. Where our heroine can have her way with them.

And it can be used also, to make enemies fight each other.

[Stormtrooper1990]

THE STORMWARD HERALD

Scandal Hits the Spire

By Diana Fonteroy Spire Correspondent


A shock arrest today rocked the Spire, as the Earl of Musgrave, Minister for Finance, was arrested by the City Watch for treason and membership of a forbidden cult. While the Watch as not given any details, a source from within Musgraves Estate as confirmed his involvement with the Sanguinis cult and perhaps collaboration with the Vampire Nation of Nocturne. We tried to contact the Nocturne Embassy for a comment, but their ambassador refused a meeting.


While the details of how the evidence was secured, are sketchy as best. We can confirm that a naked maid, Margot Jacobsen, 21 summers, was found in the kitchen storeroom, banging on the door at 4 in the morning. When asked about how she lost her uniform, all the maid could say was " Pretty eyes." Upon examination by chuirogeons, it seems she may have been a victim of vampire mind control. But otherwise unarmed.

We have recieved the following comment from the office of the Chief of Staff and spymaster Duke Allenby. " We can confirm that one of the Hidden Hands, conducted an investigation into the former Earl. And the operation was a success, we cannot confirm or deny if the Operative was a vampire."

There are rumours abound, that the Duke had recruited famous vampire mercenary Anna Volker, 200 years, to the Hands. We tried to contact Volker, but she was unavailable for comment. Whatever the truth, more arrests are expected to be made as the brave Men and Women of the Watch clampdown on the traitors in high society.

[simon4242]

thank you

[meditions142]

Love that bit: "When asked about how she lost her uniform, all the maid could say was 'Pretty eyes.' "

Definitely loved the effect Anna's mind control had on lovely Margot.

[Stormtrooper1990]

Love that bit: "When asked about how she lost her uniform, all the maid could say was 'Pretty eyes.' "

Definitely loved the effect Anna's mind control had on lovely Margot.

Your welcome, my friend.

Poor sweet Margot, was completely under Anna's sway.