The old woman sat back and stared at Eloim, her expression was unreadable and for a minute she didn’t speak.
“I need time to consult with the spirits. I don’t know if it is possible to do what you ask,” she finally said. “To travel to the future is beyond my knowledge. You speak of things that I find hard to believe, why would anyone need so many boots?”
“Of all the things to latch onto, she chooses your boot collection.” Alexia said in disgust.
“You’re only saying that because you haven’t seen my boot collection Alexia.” Eloim said in defence of his boot collection.
“Never mind that, it’s time we found out what she wants, apart from our ring,” Alexia said. “Could she be any more lecherous?”
Eloim looked over at the old woman; her gaze was locked on the ring on his finger, a look of hunger in her eyes. “She would destroy you if you gained ownership of it. Now what is this treasure you want returning and who took it?” Eloim said.
The witch’s eyes blazed for a moment in anger at being caught out, but she hid it well and looking at Eloim, she smiled. “My granddaughter is the treasure that was taken; I need her returning to me. She is special and will take my place when I die, she must be returned to continue her training.” The old woman said.
“OK, so we rescue you your princess, that shouldn’t be too difficult. Who has taken her and where is she held?” Eloim said confidently as he was only dealing with some village girl, not a lady of standing or political importance.
“She was taken to Baugh Park Manor by agents of the church of Rome,” the old woman answered.
“And these agents are?” Eloim asked with a sinking feeling.
“The Knights of Blood, I’m sure you may have heard of them.” The old woman said with a cold smile. “I have travelled to her in spirit and she is held in the big house. What do you know of the Knights?”
“Only that they were responsible for wiping out hundreds of my kind in this time. Our records of this time are fractured.” Eloim said remembering his history lessons.
“Did you know that their order only numbers seven active Knights?” The witch asked.
“How could only seven humans wipe out entire nests of vampires?” Eloim asked, not believing what the witch had told him.
“Because the Knights of Blood are not human, they are kin to the Faye who for some reason are now fighting for Rome.” The witch replied calmly. “All seven of their order are based at Baugh Park Manor, resting after their campaign in the north, killing your kind.”
“Well you’re not asking for something easy are you?” Eloim said shaking his head.
“Don’t worry Eloim; I have faced these Knights before.” Alexia said encouragingly.
“Really?” Eloim asked out loud and as the old woman looked at him strangely, he pointed to his head and the old woman nodded in understanding.
“Yes the witch is right; they are an ancient order, far older than this church they are now working for.” Alexia added.
“So you know how to defeat them?” Eloim asked brightly.
“Well in theory yes, you just kill them with swords and stuff.” Alexia answered defensively.
“Why only in theory, what happened?” Eloim asked knowing Alexia was trying to hide something.
“Well they caught me by surprise and before I knew it, there were spells cast limiting my powers. I killed a few of them; they used to number ten Knights.” Alexia paused. “They are a despised race who capture creatures of power and imprison them in talismans to be sold to others who seek great power. It was the Knights who sucked me into the Alexia ring."
To be continued.