《Random Vampire Story》


 1 - Talisman and the Gates of Hassef

    The forest, dark and mighty, was damp and empty. Empty except a man talking to a [Paladin] tied up in a tree. It was a monologue.


    ¡°Under the boot of time, the earth shifts¡ªmud is pressed down, grass is trampled. Time is fickle. It moves again and again¡ªan uneven flow.¡±


    The man lets out a sigh, his gestures growing more and more emphatic.


    ¡°One cannot let obsession after obsession lead one through life. It¡¯s unhealthy. But one can make exceptions: you and your sister. Your mother, I must make sure before that obsession is let go. But you two. You are the sun in my eclipse. I cannot and can never let you go. You are my son, Will. Understand that you are more than precious.¡±


    He stares for a moment, a hand pointed at the [Paladin].


    ¡°When you were born, the earth struck gold. A nugget in my arms. Forfeit one thing, yes, but I cannot forfeit you.¡±


    He leans into him, the smell of blood in the air. It stings his crooked nose, jagged and broken, it was evidently recently punched quite hard.


    ¡°My flesh is grey, but my blood runs hot. Child, you will see me once more. Remember my words.¡±


    The man, Talisman, laughs and leaps away, his form morphing into a bat as he flies, holy smite chasing him as the paladin frees an arm to activate a skill.


    The [Hero] son¡ªthe [Paladin] of the Holy Chasseurs¡ªon a eternal hunt.


    <hr>


    9 Years later


    <hr>


    Talisman reads a book, a hood covering him from head to toe, the slow rumbling of the wagon settling down as it approaches the city walls. The merchant, his servant, turns back her head.


    ¡°Your grace,¡± Her words are clipped, her lips twitching in disdain at his instructed title. ¡°the city of Hassef is the last major city on our route. We should be in the city before nightfall if we keep a steady pace. From here, the road should be clear, unless the roadblocks were increased by the king again. Honestly, fuck him."


    "My good lady, what bewitchment has come across you? What foul language are you speaking?!" Talisman dramatically arches his eyebrow. "HAs the devil--"


    "You''re the one adorned with horns, not I," Ano interjects with an icy glare.


    A gasp escapes Talisman, his hand instinctively rising to cover his mouth.


    "Ano, dearest Ano, I beseech you, retract that statement. The devil takes great offense when his name is misused. I am the one with fangs! I am not a mere demon!"


    Ano''s glare persists. "I apologize, your grace. You are an archdemon, nay, the king of all devils."


    "Vampire! Vampire, Ano! I am a vampire!"


    As the wagon collides with the city gate, Talisman springs down, his cape trailing like a shadow behind him. His confident stride carries him through the entrance, guards affording him ample space.


    Ano follows by his side.


    "Vampire," she utters.


    "Yes, my dear."


    "Archdemon."


    "You wound me."


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "The Devil."


    Talisman theatrically slams his hands onto the counter before the gate, a wide grin painted on his face.


    "Good morrow, Guardsman. We are humble traders, seeking passage for our wares. Might we have leave to enter?"


    A sigh escapes the guard, who gestures for the wagon to be brought closer. "Whence do you come?"


    Talisman''s smile only widens. "Ah, it has been a long journey. From the farthest reaches of the northern expanse to this very place. Isn''t that right, Ano?"


    Ano regards him with a steady gaze before nodding.


    The guard''s head tilts inquisitively. "A great distance to travel, yet your load seems rather light."


    Talisman''s grin remains unshaken. "We are but two souls, carrying the weight of our own existence. But within this wagon, we bear a collection of magical curiosities. If you would indulge us, Ano, please present a sample from our assortment."


    Ano nods and conjures a dagger, sending it whirling through the air to embed itself expertly in the distant wall. "A fine demonstration indeed. You see, Guardsman, Ano here is a master of blades. And that very blade¡ªundeniably unbreakable!"


    A blue skill box flickered. Inspection.


    "It''s not imbued with magic.¡±


    Talisman waves a dismissive hand. "Ah, mere details. Semantics, really. My dear, what more treasures can we unveil? What else can we contribute? Behold, a compass perpetually pointing the wrong way. An hourglass capable of reversing time by a mere nanosecond. A sword, honed to perfection, but only at its least desirable edges."


    Rolling his eyes, the guardsman sighs. "Your goods are hardly captivating, but I''ll grant you passage."


    "You''re most gracious. However, a gift must not go unnoticed. It''s yours for the taking, a token of goodwill. A pen that inscribes the exact moment of your passing."


    "What in the¡ª"


    "Ano, let us venture forth."


    "Yes, your grace."


    The wagon rumbles on again


    <hr>


    The city is bustling with life. There are few people of a smaller stature than Ano. Talisman is just barely shorter than the average human, but he keeps his head low and his stride short. With his head bowed, he could easily pass as an old human of age, but his presence is unmistakable. Ano, however, is inconspicuous. She''s cladded in dark brown clothes that blend in with the dirt, her hood drawn close to cover her face.


    "Damnation, Talisman, this city is a cesspit," she mutters, "You shouldn''t have let me off the wagon."


    "Come now, my dear. Do you not smell the thousand scents of blood and flesh, enticing your taste buds? A city full of delicious, delicious blood." Talisman pauses and tilts his head, grinning. "Oh right. You can''t. Still human. Are you sure you don''t want me to¡ª"


    "No."


    "Very well, then." He pauses to sniff the air, his smile widening. "Still. Does the city not entice you? The swaying of a thousand boots to a strange rhythm?"


    "The only thing that intrigues me is how much this city will cost us."


    "Ah, you are thinking like a merchant. A most practical thing to do." His eyes dart around the streets, taking in the sights, the grime of the hundred races. "But you know, this is just the type of city my son would love.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your son chasing us across the continent with the Holy Order of Chasseurs?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. The Holy Order. The Death to all vampires. How dare I exist? But still dearest Ano, I love him even if they¡¯ve corrupted his heart.¡±


    Ano shrugs. "It is his duty. It is what his parents taught him."


    "Is that a compliment to my parenting skills?" Talisman grins.


    "You''re missing the point." Ano continues walking. "The fact is his father taught him to be a [Knight]. And his mother, his mother taught him to be a [Paladin]."


    Talisman''s smile drops, his hands go to Ano¡¯s shoulder. The nails bite into flesh.


    "Ano, my dear Ano." Talisman glares at her, a rare moment of deadly seriousness. "I command you to never speak of her ever again. Another utterance or mutter of her and you shall die the most painful death I can fathom. Understand?"


    Ano stiffens for a moment and with no response, Taliman¡¯s fingers ripped further into her shoulder¡ªtearing into the skin.


    "DO you understand?"


    Ano struggles, a painful wince as she¡¯s nearly brought down to the dirt floor.


    "Loud and clear, your grace,¡± Ano gasps as the force relents. ¡°You know how much I''d hate to disappoint you by dying a ''painful death'' before my time."


    Talisman''s expression softens, his arm bringing her up once more and dusting her off.


    ¡°Now, where were we, Ano?¡±


    "We were discussing the art of not bankrupting ourselves in this charming cesspit of a city."


    Talisman chuckles, the tension dissipating as quickly as it had emerged.


    "Indeed, my ever-resourceful Ano. Let us navigate these treacherous financial waters with the skill of a seasoned captain, avoiding the siren calls of exorbitant prices and dubious merchants."


    They continue their stroll through the bustling city, Talisman''s gaze drifting over the various stalls and shops, his senses attuned to the undercurrent of life that pulses through the streets. Ano follows alongside, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of scrutiny and apathy.


    The city of Hassef was the perfect place to recoup their funds.


    ¡°I¡¯ll set up store in the market. You. Deal with the rest.¡±


    ¡°As always,¡± Ano muttered, the two of them parting ways.

 2 - Talisman and a Midnight Snack

    It is nightfall when Talisman stalks through the sky. The wind flows through his hair, carrying with it the scents of the city below. The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the rooftops and streets. Talisman''s keen senses pick up the faint sounds of life and movement below him, the beating hearts of the city''s inhabitants echoing in his ears.


    He lands gracefully on a rooftop, his eyes scanning the area. From his vantage point, he can see the city stretching out in all directions. Lights twinkle from windows, and the distant sounds of laughter and music drift up to him.


    Closing his eyes, Talisman focuses his keen hearing. Voices, everyday conversations.


    An elf fighting with a lover.


    ¡°You never understand, do you? Always putting your duty above everything else!"


    An argument between two merchants.


    "You think you can just undercut my prices and drive me out of business? I''ve been here longer than you!"


    A group of orphans playing a game.


    "Count to ten and we''ll hide! No peeking!"


    And finally, the voice he sought. Ano grumbling about how the inn was charging highway robbery.


    "Fuckers, I hope they all die in a fire. And then their children too. Fuckers." She sighs. "I can''t believe I got stuck with this shit. Fucking hell."


    With an elegant descent, Talisman lands down onto the street, his cowl swaying as he touches down. Ano, who had been inspecting a small blade, perhaps contemplating murder, jumps at his sudden appearance.


    "Fuck, Talisman! Make some noise when you land, would you?¡± Ano hisses, placing a hand over her racing heart.


    Talisman raises an eyebrow, his expression one of mocking innocence. "My dearest Ano, it is not my intention to ruffle your delicate sensibilities but if I did that my prey would notice me.¡±


    Ano glares at him. "Yeah, well, try landing like a normal creature for once. You''re not auditioning for a fucking play every time you move."


    Talisman chuckles softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, my dearest Ano, you underestimate the importance of style! Life itself is a grand performance, after all. Plus, it amuses me."


    "Amuse this, you pretentious vampire," Ano mutters, her middle finger raised.


    Talisman''s smile widens. "Ah, such eloquence. I am truly honored.¡±


    Ano rolls her eyes, muttering something under her breath.


    Talisman reaches out and pats her on the shoulder, his touch gentle, careful not to hurt her. "Fear not, my devoted companion. I shall endeavor to make my entrances more agreeable to your refined tastes."


    Ano scoffs. "Oh, what a privilege that would be."


    The wind blows, the scent clear and full of life.


    Talisman''s smile deepens. "Now, on to matters of business. Our stay in this city has proven to be quite fruitful."


    Ano raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Fruitful as in finding a bountiful source of income, or fruitful as in finding fresh necks to sink your fangs into?"


    ¡°Income. My day at the marketplace was very successful." Talisman holds up a pouch, it is heavy and full of gold coins. "I sold our wares for quite a profit, I dare say."


    He tosses the pouch to Ano, who catches it deftly.


    "So, we have enough money to last us for some time?"


    "Indeed. A year, two perhaps. I''d wager more." He smirks. "But I assume you have scouted the city for a list of¡ªwhat the hell I''ll just say it¡ªdo you have a list of targets I can feed on?"


    Ano lets out a sigh, handing Talisman a crumpled piece of paper.


    "I''ve scribbled a few names on here." She gestures to it. "I''ve taken the liberty of noting the places they frequent, based on their clothing and jewelry. If you do your thing, the Holy Order might not be able to trace your presence back to us."


    "Hmm." Talisman mutters, his eyes scanning the list.


    The perfect target was someone who would not be missed. Those with no family, no friends and lovers, and even no rivals or enemies were the most preferable.


    No family because their absence wouldn''t raise questions, no friends and lovers to report their disappearance, and no rivals or enemies to investigate their demise even if the death benefitted them. Talisman''s selection criteria were rather specific, to say the least.


    "My, my, Ano," Talisman muses, tapping his chin with a finger. "You do have a knack for efficiency. These choices are quite meticulous, I must admit."


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Ano shrugs. "Just doing my part to help you maintain your... lifestyle."


    Talisman chuckles, folding the paper and tucking it into his coat pocket. "Indeed, you are a most dedicated enabler."


    <hr>


    Ano kept watch as they entered the alleyway. The half-elf Beggar, apparently named humble Solus, leaned against the wall, a hood pulled low over his face. The shadows danced around him, concealing his features further. He had a certain air of desperation about him, the look of someone who had already lost everything. Just the type of person Talisman preferred to feed on.


    Talisman approached with practiced ease; his footsteps silent against the cobbled ground. As he neared, Solus glanced up, his eyes widening as he saw the vampire''s form approaching.


    "Evening," Talisman purred, his voice a velvety undertone that sent a shiver down its listener''s spine.


    "Who the hell you be?" Solus''s voice was cautious it seemed.


    "Just a traveler passing through this wondrous city," Talisman replied, his smile charming and disarming. "And you, my friend, seem like someone in need. Someone who has faced the harshness of life head-on."


    Solus''s gaze dropped to the ground, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah, reckon that''s about right."


    Talisman tilted his head sympathetically. "It''s a cruel world, isn''t it? Full of heartless individuals who would sooner step over you than lend a hand."


    Solus nodded, a bitter edge to his expression. "You''re not wrong."


    Talisman took a step closer, his movements smooth and deliberate. "Humble Solus they call you. Why is that? You must have a story."


    Solus let out a hollow laugh, his gaze distant. "Just a name, no fancy mumbo-jumbo or fancy-shmancy bloodlines. Just plain ol'' Solus, scrapin'' by in a world that done forgotten ''bout me."


    Talisman''s eyes glinted, a mixture of understanding and intrigue. "Ah, but it is often those who go unnoticed by the world that possess the most fascinating stories, don''t you think?"


    Solus looked up, his gaze meeting Talisman''s with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Why¡¯s a feller like you so damn interested in my tale?"


    "Because my friend, if you do not tell your story, you will disappear No memory that a man named humble Solus has ever existed on this mortal plane."


    Solus hesitated, his fingers tracing a pattern on the wall as if lost in thought.


    ¡°Maybe you got a point, I guess sharin'' ain''t gonna hurt none. Truth is, I used to be a damn [Soldier], pretty damn good at it too," he mused, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. "My old man, he was into war. [Mercenary Captain], one of the best I have seen. He swore loyalty to different leaders and fought in more damn battles than I can count."


    Solus chuckled, shaking his head.


    "Back in my youth, pops would yammer on ''bout the battlefield ¨C how he crushed enemies like some kinda [Hero]. Couldn''t help but..." His voice trailed off, his expression becoming enigmatic. "But enough of that bullshit. My days were spent on the east side, facin'' off against that demon lord''s mess. War came to a big damn finish, and people were dancin'' in joy. Not me."


    A deep breath punctuated his words as he paused, gathering his thoughts.


    "I tried to make a go of it in different places, but each damn corner had its own way of chuckin'' out the expendable ¨C like garbage tossed in the damn gutters, just like them damn beastfolk. Claimin'' the city, those bastards." His last words came out like venom, each word drippin'' poison. "Vermin, they are, gnawin'' at the roots of this nation, eatin'' it up from the inside."


    Talisman made sure to keep the interest on his face.


    "Back when I was in the army, I woulda strung up every last one of those creatures," Solus growled, a real sharp edge to his voice. "But now here I am, stuck scavengin'' for scraps, wearin'' rags so messed up they barely pass for clothes. [Captain] kicked me out, said I was too damn violent, a liability. Couldn''t lead me no more."


    There was a pause, heavy with resentment.


    "Regrets? Can''t say I got many. Got some pieces of those old days I hold onto, like my old man''s tales, talkin'' ''bout our heroic deeds. But damn, I made those beastfolk pay, cleanin'' up the mess they made in the streets."


    A bitter twist contorted his features.


    "Savage critters¨Conly good thing ''bout ''em are their females. You know, the old [Captain] let us..."


    Talisman maintained his fa?ade of interest. Not yet.


    "But let me make it damn clear," Solus''s voice got cold, no remorse in it. "I ain''t got no damn regrets ''bout what I did. Hell, I treasure them damn memories, the times I tore through the filth them beastfolk brought. Every slash I gave ''em felt like payback, makin'' ''em suffer for the mess they caused."


    His gaze turned distant once more, lost in his twisted convictions. "Took it on myself to teach ''em a lesson ''bout their mess¨Ca lesson they damn well deserved."


    A bitter smirk played across his lips, his eyes glinting with a disturbing blend of bitterness and satisfaction. "As for their women... oh yeah, them beastfolk females. New [Captain], he didn''t get it like I did. But sometimes we showed ''em their place, gave ''em a taste of the hurt they deserved for bein'' part of that messed-up race."


    Solus''s tone remained detached, devoid of any remorse or empathy.


    "You gotta get it. Us real folks, we stick together. We¡ª"


    Talisman struck, quick and fast, his movements a blur of motion. His hand wrapped around Solus''s throat, cutting off the man''s words and his breath. The half-elf''s eyes widened in shock, his body freezing as he realized the danger he was in, his Danger Sense finally tingling.


    "Ah, my dear Solus," Talisman''s voice remained calm, though there was an undercurrent of something darker beneath his words. "It appears that our conversation has taken a rather... unfortunate turn."


    Nails bit into flesh and his fangs elongated as he leaned closer, his eyes locked onto Solus''s with an intensity that sent a chill down the man''s spine. The air grew heavy with tension as the seconds stretched on, Solus''s struggles growing weaker against the vampire''s iron grip.


    "Y-yer not... not what ya seem," Solus choked out, his voice strained and desperate.


    Talisman''s lips curled into a predatory smile, his fangs glistening in the moonlight. "Oh, my dear Solus, appearances can be deceiving. And my true nature, well, it''s something you won''t live to fully comprehend like how I will never comprehend yours."


    With a swift motion, Talisman sank his fangs into Solus''s neck, the man''s muffled cries of pain mingling with the sound of his own lifeblood being drawn away. The taste was exquisite, an intoxicating rush that flowed through Talisman''s veins, invigorating him with each swallow.


    As Solus''s struggles weakened and his body grew limp, Talisman''s grip remained unyielding, his hunger driving him to drain every last drop of life from his victim. The alleyway was filled with the sounds of his feeding, the desperate gasps and gurgles of the dying man intermingling with the night''s ambient noises.


    Finally, when Talisman had taken his fill, he released Solus''s lifeless body, letting it slump to the ground. His lips were stained with blood, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, savoring the aftertaste of his meal.


    Ano had watched the entire scene unfold from the shadows, her expression a mix of disgust and disinterest. "Well, that was messy. You really should work on your feeding technique."


    Talisman observed her for a moment.


    ¡°We should talk.¡±

 3 - Talisman and the Drunken Drake

    The inn was quiet, dreadfully empty, and deserted, with only a single barman who was half-asleep until Ano and Talisman plopped themselves on two ramshackle chairs. The chairs, in return, squawked under their weight.


    ¡°Evening, gentlemen. What can I get you?¡± The barman¡¯s voice was dull, lacking enthusiasm.


    Talisman glanced at the menu for a moment, then back at the barman. ¡°A glass of the finest red, if you would be so kind.¡±


    ¡°Coming right up,¡± the barman muttered, grabbing a bottle and a glass.


    Ano leaned against the bar, her eyes scanning the room. ¡°So, what¡¯s on your mind, Talisman? You don¡¯t usually summon me for idle chit-chat.¡±


    Talisman accepted the glass of wine with a nod of thanks, swirling the deep red liquid within it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t? I believe we talk often.¡±


    Ano rolled her eyes. ¡°You know what I mean. We don¡¯t have many heart-to-heart conversations, so spit it out.¡±


    Talisman took a sip of the wine, savoring the taste before he spoke. ¡°I wanted to discuss Solus.¡±


    Ano raised an eyebrow. ¡°The half-elf we just dealt with? What about him?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure he had no enemies? He seemed... rather unpleasant.¡±


    Ano shrugged, a nonchalant expression on her face. ¡°He might have rubbed some people the wrong way, but in the grand scheme of things, he was just another insignificant speck in this city.¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Look.¡± Ano turned her head, waving the bartender over. ¡°People didn¡¯t like him. But no one is actively seeking his demise. Do you know how many sad beggars and drunks did the same as him during the Demon Lord¡¯s war? Plenty. He wasn¡¯t special.¡±


    The bartender shuffled over, his expression still bored. ¡°What can I get you?¡±


    ¡°Beer. Swine¡¯s swill if you got it.¡±


    ¡°Swine¡¯s swill it is,¡± the bartender grumbled, pouring a mug of brackish ale.


    Talisman observed Ano for a moment. His lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°You seem awfully dismissive about this.¡±


    Ano shrugged again, taking the mug from the bartender. ¡°Look, Talisman, I get that you like to be thorough and all, but sometimes a shitty person is just a shitty person. And sometimes people forget.¡±


    ¡°No one is going to look for him?¡±


    Ano took a sip of her ale, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. ¡°Talisman, let me break it down for you. Solus was a miserable beggar, someone who lived and died in the gutters. He was a nobody, and the city is filled with nobodies. Nobody is going to notice or care that he¡¯s gone. Even if they do, they¡¯ll just assume he drank himself to death in some alley somewhere, and they will just think ¡®good riddance¡¯ and move on.¡±


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°That¡¯s... somewhat sad.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you heard what he did. He was a real piece of work.¡±


    ¡°But my dear Ano, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m any better.¡±


    The silence lingered as Ano drank.


    <hr>


    It was morning when the doves sang their song, and it was morning when Talisman was excitedly waving his hand in Ano¡¯s general direction. Ano, in turn, scowled while holding her head, a hangover.


    ¡°Ugh, Talisman, can you not be so damn cheerful? My head feels like it¡¯s splitting open.¡±


    Talisman grinned.


    ¡°Ah, my dear Ano, the morning brings with it a new day filled with possibilities! The sun rises, and so do I! Is that an oxymoron? It might be.¡±


    Ano groaned, her voice filled with irritation.


    ¡°Can you rise a little less loudly? Some of us are nursing a headache.¡±


    ¡°Who? The ghosts?¡± Talisman gestured at the empty common room.


    The fact that it was morning instead of midnight did not affect its destitution. In fact, Ano had chosen it specifically for that reason, the Drunken Drake, the number one deadland inn in the City of Hassef.


    Ano shot Talisman a withering glare. ¡°Yes, the ghosts of last night¡¯s choices. Very funny. Now, could you please let me kill myself in peace?¡±


    Talisman chuckled, pouring himself a glass of wine. ¡°Ah, the woes of mortals and their delicate constitutions.¡±


    ¡°I swear, if you don¡¯t quiet down, I¡¯m going to use one of those ¡®magical curiosities¡¯ from yesterday to make you experience a hangover.¡±


    Talisman¡¯s grin faltered slightly. ¡°Now, now, let¡¯s not be hasty. No need for such drastic measures.¡±


    Ano rubbed her temples, wincing at a phantom pain. ¡°Just let me wallow in misery for a bit, okay?¡±


    ¡°But what about the pie!? The steak! The pastries! The inn¡¯s culinary delights await us!¡±


    Ano shot him a withering glare. ¡°I said, let me wallow.¡±


    Talisman¡¯s grin returned, though a bit more subdued. ¡°Very well, my dear Ano. Wallow away.¡±


    With a sigh of relief, Ano leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes and trying to shut out the throbbing pain in her head. Talisman continued to sip his wine, humming a tune under his breath, almost annoyingly so.


    After a while, Ano couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Ugh, fine, I surrender. Just stop with the humming.¡±


    Talisman chuckled, setting his glass of wine aside. ¡°Ah, so you¡¯ve emerged from your cocoon of misery.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    Ano sat down on the edge of her chair, her scowl only half-serious. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for today? Are we continuing with our [Merchant] charade?¡±


    ¡°How about we explore the city? Get our bearings aligned, and so on. Do you know the major landmarks of the city, my dear Ano?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡± Ano counted on her hand. ¡°There¡¯s the demon spire in the center of the city, the market district to the west, the Temple of Light on the north, and the [Duke] ¡¯s palace to the east.¡±


    Talisman nodded approvingly. ¡°Excellent. I see your observational skills are not entirely dulled. Shall we split up and gather information for the rest of our journey? Who knows... traces of the amulet might just appear.¡±


    Ano rubbed her temples again. She had been doing that a lot lately. ¡°Fine, but I swear to the pantheon, if you start humming again while I¡¯m out there, I¡¯ll... I¡¯ll find a way to make your undead existence as miserable as I feel right now. It is a national crime.¡±


    Talisman raised his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Fear not, my dear Ano. I shall keep my humming to a minimum. Now, go forth and gather information, and I shall do the same.¡±


    Ano pushed herself up from the chair, shooting Talisman one last glare before stumbling towards the door. ¡°If I don¡¯t come back, please assume I¡¯ve drowned myself in the nearest gutter.¡±


    Talisman laughed softly. ¡°Ah, the melodrama of the human condition. Farewell, my dearest Ano. May your quest for information be fruitful.¡±


    As Ano left the inn, Talisman leaned back in his chair, his smile fading. He looked out the window, his eyes narrowing as he considered the task at hand. The Holy Order was approaching, and Talisman needed to get this over with. Hassef was a mere stop on a larger journey.


    With a sip of his wine, he let the taste linger on his tongue. Mortal food and drink gave no nutrition, but he savored the sensations they evoked. The tang of the wine, and the warmth it spread, were indulgences he allowed himself. Memory.


    Talisman stood up and left through the door. The Demon¡¯s spire, a relic of the Demon War, seemed interesting enough for his first destination. Plus, Talisman always had loved architecture.