Chapter 321: Interlude – Saffron’s Struggle Part One


    <strong>321. Interlude - Saffron''s Struggle Part One</strong>


    Saffron Merryster closed her eyes.


    All for naught


    She bemoaned her sorrows as shey in her bed.


    It was all for naught.


    Roman Crimsonfang had rejected the request for aid. He wouldnt support either the Norwood or Merryster Families. Hed use them of attempting to take his life. An assassin that had killed his bodyguards. One that had nearly taken Saffrons life too.


    It was ridiculous. It was utterly ridiculous. He was their only chance he was one of the few members of the Crimsonfang Family who was on speaking terms with the Norwoods. Let alone the Merrysters. But now all contact was cut.


    That reaction was far too emotional. Far too brash. Yet, Roman was a boy. Saffron could, to some extent, understand his reasoning. But it still pissed her off.


    That absolutely f no, I cant swear. I have to keep my cool.


    She breathed deeply as she forced herself out of her bed. It was morning. The day after the attempt at her life. Salvos was gone or, rather, the Salvos clone was gone. Which meant that Saffron had no bodyguard. No protection.


    If another Demon assassin came for her life


    Saffron had to shake away the thought.


    I cant rely on Salvos for everything.


    That was right. While Saffron was grateful for what Salvos had done for her so far, she was still a noble. She still had her pride. A Vampire of the upper ss. Someone who shouldve been ale to deal with her own problems on her own.


    Ill figure out a way to resolve this.


    No matter what shrewd tactic shed have to rely on, she was going to get Roman Crimsonfang to agree to talks.


    --


    I said Im leaving today.


    Roman Crimsonfang strode for Norwood Keeps gates. The hallway leading to the exit was still damaged from yesterday. The fighting between the Salvos clone and the Archdemon had been intense, even if it was enclosed in a small area.


    Workers moved to repair the walls and the gate. Saffron could hear the heavy beating of hammer on nails and wood as she came to a halt behind Roman and Zin Norwood. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family tried to convince the boy to stay. To change his mind.


    Please, this is a matter beyond just the rtions between our families. If you wait for my son to arrive, hell be able to exin


    Thats enough.


    Roman shook his head, unrelenting.


    I have already made up my mind. My bodyguards my friends. I should not havee here under your request. If I had known this would happen, I wouldve spat on your letter and sent it back to you.


    But we did not


    Zin started, and he waved a hand.


    I will no longer listen to your excuses.


    He marched down the corridor, only to stop when he saw Saffron. The young noble had noticed the argument and moved to act. She blocked his path with her arms crossed. Zin narrowed her eyes.


    Saffron


    Wait, Zin. Let me speak with Lord Roman.


    Zin hesitated, but she saw the look in Saffrons eyes. A red, glinting look. Saffron knew what she was doing. It was risky ploy. However, she was desperate.


    There was no other chance, and Roman was acting ridiculous. The only way tobat an unreasonable act is to be unreasonable herself.


    Greetings, Lord Roman. I heard you have decided to leave after yesterdays attempt at your life.


    The boy frowned.


    After your assassination attempt failed, I would be foolish to stay in the Norwood Keep any longer. I am leaving, and none of your lies can convince me to stay.


    Indeed. I am certain you won''t change your mind. However, I havee to say farewell. And good luck.


    Saffron tilted her head slightly as she spoke. Roman blinked.


    What are you talking about?


    Without a bodyguard or an entourage, it will not be an easy trip back to your estates. It will already be dangerous traversing with the threat of monsters. However, knowing that you are under the threat of assassins as well?


    His eyes widened as she continued.


    Well perhaps if you find an adventurer whose level is high enough, you will be able to return unscathed. If fortune favors the bold, surely a Diamond Ranked adventurer would be waiting for you in Strawford.


    I-I


    The boy hesitated, and Saffron shrugged.


    Of course, if you remain in Norwood Keep, perhaps Zin Norwood herself can offer you her protection from these assassins. Or maybe your good friend Gannon Norwood would be of help. He is returning in under a weeks time, after all. If theres anyone you can trust, it can be him. s, you will be gone by then.


    It was intimidation. Saffron didnt like it, but she had to do what was needed. And if it meant tricking a boy by subtly threatening his life even if it was a false threat then shed do it.


    Roman quivered. He drew back, speaking in a hurried voice.


    I believe I have changed my mind.


    He cleared his throat, spinning around.


    I was not aware that Gannon Norwood would be returning in a few days time. I would like to greet him and give him my regards before I am to depart. Even if it means staying with those callous Merrysters.


    Zin nodded eagerly, jumping on this opportunity.


    I assure you, Lord Roman, we will offer you our finest bodyguards and keep an eye out on the Merrysters


    Saffron sighed in relief as she watched Roman walk further back into Norwood Keep. Shed done it. All by herself. She had to y her hand aggressively if she wanted to keep up with the politicking between the Greater Vampire Families.


    Now, I just have to wait for Gannon to actually get here


    What was she going to do until then?


    --


    Saffron didnt remain idle. Two days passed, and she spoke to every person of import who was present in Norwood Keep. Individuals from lesser Vampire families wereing to represent their stance in the uing meeting. It was a gathering called by the Norwood and Merryster Family. Mostly pertaining to the Norwood Family, since Gannon was going to be there.


    He was one of the few individuals who remained sensible throughout everything that had happened in thest few months. That was why Roman had been here.


    The fact that Roman Crimsonfang wasnt going to leave, and was going to represent his family at this meeting, meant that Saffron now had some sway. She wrote a message to Father on the day of Romans decision to remain, telling him about the news. Now, she heard back from him.


    <em>The Veridian Family has agreed to apany us to the meeting. We will be showing up with their representatives tomorrow. </em>


    That was all that had been written on themunication artifact. Saffron sighed in relief, d that things were finally beginning to move in the right direction. Now she just had to ensure things sailed smoothly at the meeting itself.


    She went to find her sister to prepare and n for what was toe. The young noble still had her speech her ultimatum but she wasnt sure if that was necessary anymore. Mons Merryster would be able to aid her in making the right call.


    Saffron found her sister milling about the dining room. The older Merryster sibling was sipping on a cup of tea all on her own.


    Mons, I was searching for you.


    I can tell, sister. Come, sit.


    Mons patted the velvet cushion next to her. Saffron fluffed her dress before taking a seat.


    What is going on?


    Hush. Listen.


    Listen?


    Saffron narrowed her eyes. She heard a voice from the other room. Someone was yelling. It was a males voice. It took the young noble a moment, but she recognized the source of the voice.


    <em>Mardyth Norwood. </em>Zins brother.


    <em>I told you this meeting is a shameless power grab</em>


    His words were clipped. Saffron couldnt make out everything that was said. Eventually, the shouting died down, and a door down the hallway was flung open. Saffron watched as an old figure marched down the hallway. Mardyth stormed off, before Zin slowly walked out of the room with a sigh.


    She nced over at the Merryster siblings. The older Merryster sister simply took a sip from her cup of tea, while Saffron struggled to find something to pretend to be doing. Zin rolled her eyes.


    You girls overheard, didnt you?


    Indeed.


    Mons answered simply. Zin sighed.


    I shouldnt have expected anything less from you two


    What happened,dy Zin?


    Saffron stood up, brows furrowing. The former Matriarch of the Norwood Family shrugged.


    My brother is against the meeting. He fears another assassination attempt may be carried out on the day of. He thinks it is a ploy by the Crimsonfangs to ruin both our familys reputation, while also taking out certain influential targets.


    What makes him think that? It was a <em>Demon </em>assassin. No Vampire family in their right mind would employ the use of Demons for their own dirty work


    That sounded ridiculous. Mons didnt seem to believe it either. But Zin shrugged.


    It is a somewhat sound theory. Romans parents are, rightfully so, upset about what happened. They have demanded reparation and Romans safe return to them. Otherwise, they will retaliate.


    Saffrons eyes widened.


    Are they being serious?


    More politics? More <em>crap </em>Saffron would have to wade through? No calm down. She breathed slowly, regaining herposure.


    Do you think Mardyths usations hold any credibility? If the Crimsonfangs are really the ones behind this


    I do not know.


    Zin shook her head, speaking curtly.


    I would rather not specte. However, I shall tell the both of you this one thing: simply be prepared for anything to happen. I will try to look out for you, but I have my own family to watch over. Without your friend


    I know.


    Saffron closed her eyes. Salvos wasnt here. But that didnt matter. The young noble could handle it on her own.


    It is not Salvos mess to clean up.


    My, sister, you are acting as if this is your job to do alone.


    Mons covered her mouth as she spoke. Saffron shook her head.


    Maybe not. But someone has to do the dirty work. And if everyone is too afraid to step up because of their fear of some kind of repercussion, then I will do it all myself.


    With that, Saffron came to a decision. She would give them all her ultimatum. The political battle for status, wealth, and soft power didnt matter when their situation waspromised. When they were all exposed as Vampires.


    And, finally, the day of the gathering of Greater Vampire Families arrived. Saffron was going to put an end to the needless squabbling once and for all. All by herself.


    There was a snap. The clone fluttered into existence as ribbons of golden mes coalesced into the shape of a young woman. Loose gatherings of figures stood in silhouette. The sun dipped over the horizon, and the clone raised her head.


    Go find Saffron, the original said. Make sure shes safe, alright? Tell her Ill be getting to her soon. Ive just been caught in an annoying mess.


    And the clone obeyed. She luxuriated in the idea of meeting herpanion. The lengthy convalescence from their time together would only heighten the vim of their reunion. Her wings spread wide, her body a mere thrall to her excitement, as she departed into the darkening sky. An endless canvas spread out before her. The wheeling stars zed like smelter pots, illuminating the vastndscape.


    The clone saw many things. Undting hills. Dense forests. Passing over monsters and animals, driven bynguor back to their nests. ck clouds emned a deluge upon a town. The torchlight twinkled and fizzled out as figures rushed through the raw mud streets.


    Shended at the fringe where buildings melded into trees. The rain hammered into her back, simmering into a thin mist of white. A passerby copsed and pointed.


    What are you? asked the Human.


    The clone did not answer. She took in the sign. Names were poorly etched onto the wooden board.


    Please dont kill me, the Human begged stupidly.


    The sign pointed in different directions. Lightning shed in the background, followed by a booming thunder. The clone flew off and left the Human alone.


    She drifted over the dark clouds as the storm continued. The sea appeared up ahead, and a small city rose up at the edge of the tideline. Fishermen dragged their boats where the sea was teething, bringing back their haul as the day came to a close.


    The clonended amongst them, and they ran screaming. She pulled them back with a Skill, pointing at the peaking buildings behind the city wall.


    What do you want? they asked. We have nothing to give you.


    She cocked her head, gesturing at the city once more. They exchanged confused nces, and one of them answered.


    The city? Its Eastcliff! At the northern border of Shedos! the Human eximed.


    The clone nodded at them, grateful, before letting them go. She stood there and watched the shoreline draw closer. The tides grew more animated. The turbulent tempest sent a surf blooming into the beach. The cobbled clouds above dispersed. The sea stilled. A sudden change.


    She didnt take in the pulchritudinous scene. The supremely wondrous weather was but a mere observation in her head. Rather, she gathered her position, using the rued moments to ascertain the city in rtion to her destination.


    Finally, the clone surmised her location: she was lost.