Chapter one still….

Chateau DuLac, Bretonnia, 21st day of the 2nd Month.

With a wide, content smile on his face Godfrey DuLac walked the hallways of his castle, radiating. Finally
a letter for a possible arrangement, a marriage for his only child coming from a triple-verified source.
The arrival of the Herald with news that Karl Hornbach, a wealthy young noble from the Empire had
taken interest in his daughter made the Knight happy. If the marriage happened he would also get a
hold in the young man's lands, thus increasing his own status.

Though rare, marriages between noble-folk from the Empire and Bretonnia had happened in the past.
Most had turned out well but Godfrey now wondered how would a rather wild young woman such as
his daughter would fare in the household of a man as a mere wife. The prospect of being without a male
heir had been disheartening enough and after several failed attempts to wed his child to noblemen he
dearly hoped she'd see his wisdom.

His wife was from the Empire, raised as a proper lady, she had been as good as any wife a Knight could
have hoped for. While unable to give him male children, their only offspring excelled at whatever she set
herself to. Trained in swordsmanship, horseback riding but also more womanly pursuits such as music,
he only drawback to the child was her strong-headed attitude.

Raising his gloved hand to knock onto the door leading to her private chambers he hesitated a moment
before proceeding.

"Enter!", the girl's voice could be heard from the other side. The old man opened the door, stepping into
his child's room. Much to his surprise and a small dose of dismay, the castle's armourer accompanied
her, helping her try on a breastplate. Carinelle twirled around slowly, looking at herself in the mirror,
silently. She had acknowledged her father's presence with a nod before smiling, "Look father, this
arrived earlier today, a gift from uncle Sigmund, from Reikland....".

His relatives from the Empire had pampered his child with gifts in the shape of books, jewelery she
almost never wore and when her aptitude for more manly activities became truth these gifts changed to
daggers, swords and even a matchlock pistol.

Carinelle", he began, "a letter arrived today, a family from the Empire has taken an interest in you!". An
encouraging smile was all he could sketch, not knowing how she would react. She had been curious
about some of her would be-suitors in the past, others she didn't even bother to hear of. His eyes
followed her movements and to his surprise, she raised an eyebrow, looking at him inquisitively.

"Who is he father? What do you know about him?", she inquired directly, turning now fully to face her
parent. Curiosity had obviously taken her over and she moved to sit on a nearby chair, dismissing the
armourer politely.
"All I know is that he will be arriving in three nights time, and that his family owns large portions of land
in Stirland. I've researched your mother's books a little and the Von Hornbachs appear to be a respected
family within their region. The Elector of Stir....", it was all he could say before she cut him off.

"Papa, I know you mean well, I will meet this young man for you. If I get to know him well enough and
he is to my expectancies, I will obey your word and marry him", her voice replied quietly. Godfrey
nodded, it had been a good response so far. Lady preserved if she did not find him to her liking, she'd
remain unmarried, destined to go to the Empire and live off with her mother's relatives or... He refused
to think about it. In a few weeks he would know the best course of action. Patience, one of his prime
virtues would once again be put to the test....

With his gloved hand moving aside the dark purple curtain of his stage-coach, Karl Hornbach glanced
through the window to the side of the road, where as a monument of Bretonnian engineering Chateau
DuLac spired upwards atop a rocky hill. The dim lights of the village at the base could barely be seen in
the gloom of night, but his eyes had adapted to the darkness quite well. The ramparts of the castle
however were adorned with banners, powerful braziers illuminating the tower tops. While not the most
imposing castle, it was decently built.

With a sigh, an unnecessary one he turned back, gazing forward just as the stage-coach turned right and
slowed down as the tired horses drew it up-hill to the castle’s gateways. Now and then the young
nobleman glanced outside and as with a screeching stop the Stage-coach stopped at the iron portcullis
he tapped with his cane in the wall gently. Old Herbert grunted, stepping down from his seat. An old
bony hand reached for the gold plated door-handle of the coach opening it. Wide-eyed men-at-arms
stared as the young Hornbach stepped off his vehicle.

In his late twenties, charming, well dressed for a simple baron, wearing dark blue trousers, riding boots,
a tunic covered by an ornate breastplate, accompanied by a plumed hat, he casually looked at the Gate
Sergeant, “Baron Hornbach, Lord DuLac awaits me, be a good man and announce your captain that I’ve
arrived”. A light slap on the Sergeant’s cheek awoke him from his trance. Rushing inside the edifice he
returned mere moments later, followed by an older man, wearing DuLac house livery.

The Captain, Reynauld Vitry stared down this pompous fool but as soon as their gazes met, he took a
step back. Finally finding his words, he finally muttered, “B..Baron, I’ll lead you to his Lordship at once”.
And so he did, with a hurried pace, he led the Empire noble within the central keep. While perhaps more
primitive than his residence in Stirland the Castle was clean enough for his liking.

Guardsmen saluted as noble and men-at-arms captain passed by. The doors to the grand guest hall were
open, the two finally slowing down. A herald as if awoke from sleep rushed to guide the guest inside,
presenting him to the Lord of the Chateau.

As the long presentation of lineage was brought forth, Godfrey began to feel unsettled. However as a
good host and respectful of the Old Ways he nodded to the herald once he had finished dismissing him.
Before him stood Karl Hornbach, the would be suitor, a proud young man, perhaps too majestic for a
simple Baron, but Godfrey was so far please. He had respected the ancient introduction ceremony
without flinching, arrived on time as predicted. Besides him the lady of the Castle, Wilhelmina Reiner-
DuLac, smiled, she seemed quite charmed by this new guest. A proper young man, with a good
upbringing, or so he claimed.

Hornbach’s eyes scanned the room, yet his prize was not to be seen. While not polite and bordering
insulting he hid his irritation. The mother had showered him with praise and while he had appreciated it,
it turned out to be a waste of time. His possible bride-to-be was NOT there. Only the happy barking of
tracking hounds signaled the approach of another person. Instead of wearing one of the finer dresses
that she had available Carinelle entered the hall, bowing to her father as was the custom, finally nodding
to the guest. As of her attire, it consisted of riding pants, boots, the breastplate she had received earlier,
a white shirt and at her belt a well-made Bretonnian long sword lay in its sheathe.

Younger than him, she stared at the newcomer with maybe a modicum of curiosity. She curtseyed
before him, prior to moving to sit close to her parents.

Three months had passed and after falling madly in love with her suitor the wedding finally happened. It
was a nearly Royal ceremony, what any young lady in both Bretonnia and the Empire would have
dreamed of. Wearing the finest bride’s dress, the most expensive jewelry the young baron could afford.
People from all over Stirland had come to their wedding held in the flower garden of the Von Hornbach
residence. With the beautiful images gone, Carinelle woke once more in the early morning only to find
herself alone in bed.

It was a habit her new husband had to depart early in the morning and return late, just in time for
dinner. While it was a normal time-table for any young noble administering an estate she sometimes
saw him return weak, as if drained. Blaming exhaustion he tried to lure her mind away from those
events, she became suspicious. With nobody to confide in so far from her home in the Kingdom of
Bretonnia she remained quiet.

Taking to horse-back she began exploring her husband’s land, meeting the people, listening to merchant
and peasant alike. Most locals were friendly enough and gathered each time she arrived to a new
village, eager to see the Baron’s young wife. Attired in a tunic, wearing an ornate breastplate, a
feathered hat, her old sword she did not hesitate to spend time with her subjects. Old ladies muttered
under their breath of how she was un-lady-like but a cheerful and friendly attitude won them to her
side.

Accompanied by Captain Reynard and his aide, a young man-at-arms Sergeant that had served with her
father Carinelle became the most popular baroness the land had seen for a long time. In Sylvania’s
shadow the people were wary of the nobility on the cause of legends and stories of old, of the terror of
the Vampire Counts.

Soon, it would all change…..

The warm fire from the hearth barely illuminated the room she sat in, shadows reflecting on Carinelle’s
face, like fingers of darkness and gloom. With loose hair she sat in her armchair, trying to read an old
book, poetry written by a certain Ludwig Wiener. The poems and songs themselves seemed pleasant
enough to make her try to learn the words of one of the ballads, an old Sylvanian song, unraveling the
tale of an old hero who had stood in the face of the Undead hordes and through his sacrifice saved
many peasants. Her face sketched excitement as she went over the epic poem, each verse imprinted in
her mind, her inquisitive nature driving her to flip page after page.

A brief moment she closed her eyes, setting the book down, the silence only broken by the creak of the
oak door. Karl’s voice could be heard, somewhere from the shadows.

“So, have you had a good day my dear”, he inquired quietly, the tonality of his voice indicating bare
irritation. He tossed his hat onto a chair, removing his own tunic before moving to sit beside her in the
spare arm-chair by the fire. “I hear you’ve kept yourself busy, visiting the people. While it was both wise
and good for our image, your requests for priesthood of both Sigmar and Morr was.., unnecessary”.

Raising an eyebrow, she smiled at him, a soft, gentle smile, “My day was wonderful Karl, I’ve visited
several nearby villages to meet with the new priests that arrived. The temples and graveyards were in
disrepair and I thought….”

“It is not our job to care for the graveyards and temples, Carinelle, you’re getting too close to these…
peasants. They live on our land, raise families but their ultimate goal is to service us….!”, he retorted,
“DO NOT make such acts without my consent from now on. Now you’ve put me in a bad position, the
priests will require money, money I cannot spare!”

A fading smile changed into an intrigued expression, perhaps even somewhat angry as the young
woman turned to her husband, “So the welfare of the people under our protection…. Their needs? Do
these things NOT concern you? Forgive me husband but it is a bad nobleman who does not care for his
subjects. You of all…..”

“Your job is to shut up, agree with everything I say, NOT defy my every decision, Carinelle! Your job will
be to stand with me in whatever I plan to do”, his voice rose above normal, “Leaving the mansion and
estate is now forbidden. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of things to do here….to occupy your time.”

Irritation turned into anger made the dark haired Karl gaze in her eyes, his lips trembling with the anger
built up inside him. She was more than he could handle at the moment and his ventures, his business;
his plans were now in jeopardy. The arrival of priests of Morr and Sigmar was not auspicious for his
associates. In fact her attitude would perhaps put the both of them in danger…

Defiantly she stared back in his eyes, her head high, she stood up, “Maybe I made a mistake, maybe
you’re not the man I thought I married!”

Turning slowly toward the door, the baroness moved away from the fire place, her long wavy hair now
falling at full length onto her back. At the door her personal escort, Captain Reynaud followed closely.
However it would not end soon…..
Chapter II – The Shadow’s Embrace

Storming through the living room Baroness Von Hornbach growled as from the distance Karl’s voice
sounded. Turning to face him she spun her head, narrowing both of her azure eyes on him. What was he
thinking? Where was his mind? He had never insulted her, nor spoken to her like that.

“Damn you woman! You will not leave my presence like that!”; he yelled, clenching his gloved fists,
stopping a short yard away from her. “Come back to our rooms, we do not need to take this further…..”.

The clapping of hands could be heard coming from the living room’s double door and both Carinelle and
Karl turned to face the source of the sound. A dashing young man gazed upon them, with cold green
eyes, a sly smile. His raven hair was almost as long as Carinelle’s, framing a pale white face; charming,
how charming he was, the young baroness thought. Karl paled in comparison to him.

“Karl, Karl, my dear Karl, I see you have quite the predicament here. Your wife, such a lovely young lady I
might add, she has quite the personality”, the stranger spoke. A few strides took him across the room to
the young couple. As if Karl was not even there he took her hand, kissing its back with icy-cold lips. His
words now in old Bretonnian filled Carinelle’s ears and all she could do was force a smile, enraptured.

“Damsel, allow me to introduce myself, I am Lucius von Carstein, son of Count Werner from neighboring
Sylvania.”. As his melodic voice filled her mind a blush filled her cheeks, Karl was not even present
anymore. Lucian, Lucian had stolen her heart, unable to resist his charms. Like the dark handsome
knight from the folk tales he seemed everything her husband was not. Soft, well-educated, maybe even
a Knight as well.

Spinning toward the husband, the dark visitor spoke on the same quiet tone, this time in the language of
the Empire, “If I had known you had such a jewel of a wife, pray tell me Karl, why you would even argue
with one such as her? I know it is improper but I could hear you from the stair-well. Perhaps it is wise to
listen to her counsel, yes?”

A gloved hand patted the baron’s cheek as his guest turned his attentions once again toward his young
wife, “Carinelle, Lady Carinelle was it? I hear you’re not the ordinary young lady we’d expect to see in
the Empire. Your… manly preoccupations set you apart, I am most intrigued”.

Several quick blinks of her eyes and a serious effort were necessary to make her awestruck expression to
go away. “Your compliments, my Lord, they are most overwhelming”, it was all she could say and as any
gentleman would Lucius offered his arm. Her slender one wrapped around it, she was completely
oblivious. They walked together to the guest table sitting across from each other.

Only him! She had eyes only for him! The charming prince who always seemed to have a reply, a
comment, an idea and appreciation for her un-lady-like hobbies. Swordsmanship, he seemed to know it
inside out, politics – she was a mere ant before his vast knowledge, history, falconry, animal husbandry,
old legends. Karl had never spoken to her of such things; he was more content in sharing a bed with her.
Slipping into the shadows, a jealous, infuriated baron walked down the halls of his estate, signaling his
house guard to gather. This guest had gone far enough, seducing his young consort. Followed by the
noisy steps of armoured swordsmen once more Von Hornbach entered the living room, grinding his own
teeth, “Enough! I called you here to talk business yet you dishonor me by luring away my wife! This is
not how it’s done, Von Carstein!”.

“Karl!”, the guest spoke quietly, “I pictured you as a civilized noble, surely a few minutes of conversation
with your young wife are merely polite”. Not even bothering to stand up, Lucius gazed at the two dozen
armed men now entering the room, “Please my friend, let us sit down and talk!”.

“ENOUGH!”, bellowed the young baron, “You are my business partner! Yet you have no honor, all you
seem to care about is bedding women, including my wife!”. He turned to the guards, pointing to Von
Carstein, “seize him, take him to the dungeon”.

“It saddens me that we must come to this, Karl, but as any man I am entitled to defend myself”. A sigh
could be heard from the dark haired man as the guards closed in, led by an officer. Just as the guest
stepped toward the shadows, the first guard attempted to strike.

Carinelle screamed, she cowered in a corner, she could see veteran soldiers being hacked apart with
contemptuous ease, the Great-Swords employed by her husband shoved aside like toys. Von Carstein
handled his sword with such dexterity he seemed to move in a blur. Blood splattered over the white
walls, limbs fell to the ground, screaming men tried to run as they were robbed of their lives. Reaching
for the blade of a fallen soldier she pointed it at Von Carstein.

Her defense however was short lived. Pain turned into dark pleasure as Lucius descended upon her,
growing fangs, drinking her life-blood. A weak struggle was all she could put out as her vision grew black,
her breathing now irregular. She lost all consciousness…