An excerpt from the journal of Lady Ryna (date unknown)

I remember it as if it was yesterday, even though it was years ago. The lords and ladies of the land had informed the population that there was a new evil abroad, and I was determined to catch the monster, take its head, and win the bounty. Little did I know what was in store for me that fatal night as I stalked the town of Newburyport searching for signs of the monster named Vladamir.

I was young then, having barely left my family’s home, and determined to make a name for myself. Chasing this monster down was the way to do it. I knew that I had a vast array of warriors, thieves and scoundrels looking for the same reward I was, but I was determined that I was going to be the one to receive it. I remember feeling the cool comfort of well-forged steel in my hands as I silently paced through the shadows of the town.

At one point, I heard a faint rustle behind me, and jumped, only to find a long known friend at my back.

“Alone in the dark little girl?” Grinned the thief, Cracker.

I swore at him as he laughed in my face.

“Get lost Cracker, I’m on a job.”

“Like I’m not my dear?” He asks leering at me as he leans against a wall.

“That little piece of steel is nothing against a vampire sweetie. Go home, and let the big boys handle this danger.”

“Shut up Cracker, I can take care of myself.”

“So be it.” Cracker faded into the shadows, a whisper in the night.

I continued down High Street, keeping my senses alert. Reports rang out through the town as fighting continued throughout the night.

I was searching along the docks around midnight when I encountered my first sight of Vladamir. A corpse was flung against some crates. I examined it carefully and made note of the jagged wound in the poor soul’s throat.

A hand clamped down on my shoulder and I jumped as I twirled around.

“A little late for him girl.” The state cope stated as he nudged the corpse with his boot. “But you’d be wise to go home. There are dangerous creatures out this night.”

“Yes sir.” I agreed in a docile voice. I waited until the officer was out of sight and

turned back to the scene of the crime. Vladamir was mine. No way was I going to go home meekly. Silly cop.

I slipped into an alleyway and started to make my way down it when a figure appeared before me. Stunned, I knew exactly who it was.

“I’m glad you stayed out to play, Ryna.” The man laughed easily.

He looks like a man? I didn’t know this monster looked like a man! I thought as I froze.

“Oh, I’m no ordinary monster, Ryna.” He laughed softly. I caught a glimpse of his fangs in the moonlight. “I’m a vampire. The name’s Vladamir.”

“I know who you are.” I clutched my sword and watched him warily.

“Well, I’m glad. I always like my victims to know who’s killing them.”

I circled carefully, and attempted to place my back to the wall.

The man grinned at me, and pinned me faster than I ever imagined possible. I struggled, cutting him a bit with my sword before he flung it away into the darkness.

“You wanted your reward.” Valadmir breathed into my ear. “So, here’s a reward for a lady such as yourself.” I fainted as he sunk his teeth into my throat.

A page in Ryna’s Past (part 2)

My eyelids fluttered as I slowly tried to regain consciousness. I was feeling dizzy, my stomach was upset, and I am hungry. Why am I so hungry? Did I forget to eat last night?

I hear a low moan and realize that the sound is coming from me. I finally manage to force my eyelids open and attempt to take stock of my surroundings.

I am in a dark room. I hear a door open, and footsteps coming towards me. A flickering candle is set on a table beside me and a worried face comes into view.

“Ryna.” A whispered voice says. “Ryna, are you awake?”

A hand is placed on my forehead, and a face comes into view.

“Cracker?” I croak, amazed to find my voice at last. “Cracker, where am I? What happened?”

Cracker’s haggard face comes into view, and I am surprised at the circles under his eyes.

“That monster. It got you and left you for dead. I found you, and I couldn’t leave your body out alone in the night. I have no clue how you managed to hold on this long. Didn’t I tell you that Newburyport at night was no place for you girl?”

“Yea, you did.” I croaked again. Then I had to ask “What’s wrong with my voice?”

“He damaged your neck something awful. Must have gotten your vocal cords too.” Cracker said, a finger running along some bandages. “I wrapped you up as best I could, but I’m no healer. Lucky for you I managed to steal these bandages awhile back, otherwise we’d be shit up the creek.” My eyes focused on Cracker’s wrist, and I watched his blood flowing through his veins. My eyes widened and I licked my lips. A wave of hunger swept over my body.

“I’m hungry.” I whispered to cracker hoarsely.

Cracker shifted uncomfortably, and he brought his hand back slowly. He licked his lips, and looked thoughtfully at me.

“What are you hungry for?” He asked huskily. “Blood.” I reached out, and grabbed his arm, bringing it to my mouth. “Your blood.” I hiss as I feel my teeth descend.

Cracker struggled, but I was regaining my strength quickly. I bit into his wrist and started drinking from him eagerly, licking the blood from the holes I had created, sucking the warm sticky substance. I found myself growing stronger with every drop, and drained him almost dry. After he slumped to the ground, I bit my own wrist, and feed him some of my blood.

“My way of thanking you for saving me, you weak fool.” I stated in a clear, ringing voice, as I cleaned and bandaged my wrist. I felt strong now that I had his blood in me, and I could feel my wounds healing rapidly. I tore off the bandages on my neck and ran my fingers up and down. The wounds were closed. The bandages fell to the floor as I strode to the door, and out into the night.

The predator stalked its prey, intent on feeding before the night was over. A young, lost, lonely child was going to make a perfect meal in the predator’s way of thinking. So what if one more unruly brat died on the streets? They were dying every day, to cold, starvation, and cruelty. The creature licked its lips and smiled as the child turned into a dark alleyway. After a quick glance around, it smiled and closed in on its prey. Faster than lightning the predator sprang into action, clamping a hand over the child’s mouth and knocking its head into the wall. The creature swept the child’s hair away from the child’s neck and sank its fangs into the youngster’s throat. The child never knew what hit it.

Moments after Ryna resumed her normal form and sank down by the body.

“My gods, what have I done?” She whispered to herself. “What kind of evil have I become?”

Her body shook as she looked at the child she killed. She arranged the child’s limbs carefully, and closed its eyes with the cool tips of her fingers.

“Rest well, little one.” She said softly to the young innocent. “May the gods grant you the comfort that will never come to me “

Ryna stepped away from the body, and walked slowly down the alleyway. The night was still young. She feared for the other people that were out alone in the nigh and she feared what she had become. The demon in her was ever hungry, never satisfied, and determined to have more pray. She pulled her leather coat tightly around her body, as she walked off into the night.