The Baron of Velmoria

Nothing said "wake up" quite like a troupe of vampires assaulting you. 

Yuna loosed an arrow at one of the assailants, but he was able to outmaneuver it pretty easily. It didn't surprise Itsuki that they were so agile. Even back home, vampires were typically considered superhuman creatures. 

itsuki grabbed his spear and readied himself. This was going to be just like the match with Damon. He was physically outmatched, but at least he had a better weapon this time. 

"That's ENOUGH!"

Both of the vampires halted in their tracks, glancing back at Alarak's command. Yuna took the opportunity to nock another arrow. Her expression was a mixture of determination and panic. 

"You're both too rash!" Alarak scolded. "If the God-marked had intended harm, he would've done so the moment we cornered them here. If he has the power of the gods at his disposal, then we are dooming our people."

Alarak locked his gaze onto Itsuki. It didn't take a mind-reader for Itsuki to know what the implication was. 

If he's got the power; which Itsuki did not have. 

Was Alarak onto him? The tome's glowing had been convenient, but was it really that convincing?

"All he asked was that we respect his wish to refrain from attacking his lover," Alarak finished. "That's not unreasonable..."

"L...Lover!?" Yuna repeated, blushing vibrantly as she glared at Alarak. 

"So, then," Itsuki spoke up, lowering his weapon. "To your village, then?"

"You still intend to visit after this?"

"It's like you said," Itsuki declared. "If my goal was to wipe your people away, it would already be done."

Alarak glared at Itsuki for a moment longer. It was too late to turn back, now. If Itsuki caved and revealed he was powerless, then they'd be in much greater danger. He had to play into it, and pray that nothing came of it. 

"Very well," Alarak conceded. "We will await you outside so you may pack your things. When you're ready, we will depart."

Alarak turned and began towards the entrance. The other two lingered momentarily, but were obedient and followed his lead. 

Itsuki let out a breath of reprieve. He set down his spear and quickly began packing up their gear. 

"Was that wise, Itsuki?" Yuna whispered as she knelt next to him to him to assist. 

"If they think that we're scared or weak, it's going to end badly. I have to assume that they're at least rational - they didn't attack until I made my threat."

"Your threat..."

Yuna remembered his declaration that she was his. She turned her face away to hide her blushing. 

"Do you think I made a wise choice?" Itsuki asked. 

Yuna pondered the thought for a moment. She continued to pack things up while doing so.

"I trust you, Itsuki. Maybe it's not the choice I'd make, but I saw what happened back in Brightmoor. If you've got a plan, then I'll stay by your side and see it through."

***

By the time morning drew near, they had arrived at the settlement of Velmoria. 

It was not a sprawled-out village like Brightmoor had been, it was a castle. Walls surrounded the entire perimeter, with the largest buildings sitting near the back of the structure. it appeared to be quite old, with clear repairs and renovations made. 

"Not yours to begin with, I presume?" Itsuki asked aloud. 

"It was once a noteworthy fortress. Manned by a nation that existed prior to the last Cataclysm. We found it abandoned, and made it ours."

The bridge that led inside was lowered. A handful of guards, their hoods pulled up, stood side-by-side in the entryway. Alarak turned to face Itsuki. 

"We will go in and speak with the Baron," Alarak explained. "Once the civilians and guards have been notified, I will come back to welcome you in."

With that, he and his two minions trotted into Velmoria. The bridge drew closed behind them. 

"If you were going to have second thoughts, now's not a bad time," Yuna commented. "They'd have to lower the bridge to pursue us, and they are much weaker with the sun having begun to rise."

Itsuki looked to the battlements above the bridge. About twelve guards loomed above, monitoring them and their actions. They did not seem particularly friendly, but they also didn't seem eager to cause trouble. 

Yuna was probably right about them being weaker in the sun. Back home, vampires would disintegrate if exposed to sunlight. 

While clouds always blanketed the sky, the light that did get through from above was still likely potent enough to weaken them. 

"Still not an option," Itsuki finally responded. "At best, we'd get a handful of miles away before nightfall. They'd be on top of us in no time with their speed, and that's not even considering the possibility of horses..."

Before long, the bridge dropped again and Alarak returned. His face was a bit more gaunt than before. Likely a side-effect of the sun being out. 

"It seems fate is an interesting mistress," he noted. "You've been invited in, and our Baron has asked to speak with you personally."

***

The main foyer of the largest building had been turned into a throne room. Not including Alarak, there were at least twenty guards lining the room's perimeter. 

Itsuki doubted that they typically kept this many guards here. Such a small settlement couldn't afford this many people on throne duty all day. This was a show of power for their guests. 

"So, you are the God-marked..."

Itsuki turned his gaze to the man at the throne. His voice echoed of both authority and experience. His platinum hair hung down past his shoulders and his attire was dark and regal. 

If anyone matched the 'ancient vampire' aesthetic, it was this man. 

"I am Baron Vaelric. To whom am I speaking?"

"I am Itsuki, and I am indeed God-marked. This is Yuna, my companion and trusted advisor."

Yuna glanced at him briefly, trying her best not to get noticed. That was not a title they had spoken of before this moment. 

"A pleasure to meet you," she bowed her head in respect. 

Vaelric didn't immediately reciprocate. For a moment, there was just silence as his gaze bore into them. Itsuki felt like it was ominous and foreboding. 

This 'Baron' was a different caliber. It wasn't on par with Bahamut, but it was far above anyone else he'd met in these lands. If Vaelric wanted them dead, they'd be lucky to last three seconds. 

"Let's proceed with honesty, God-Marked Itsuki" Vaelric finally announced. "You are no hero, nor do you have your god's power at your disposal."

With just those words, the entire air of the room shifted. No one drew weapons or changed posture, but a very clear shift had transpired. Vaelric saw right through him, and now it was public that he had nothing up his sleeve. 

"That's a pretty bold claim..." Itsuki retorted. 

"I did the courtesy of removing the facade," Vaelric noted. "As I said, I'd be appreciative if we could speak with honesty. Who are you and why have you come here?

Itsuki thought carefully about his next words. it was clear that fabricating was going to get him in more trouble than telling the truth. Honesty was his only option. 

He took in a deep breath. 

"You are right," Itsuki confirmed. "I am no hero. The Fallen Lands have tried summoning heroes, but they have all failed. I was summoned here as your world's final answer to salvation. I am no hero, but I have been Chosen. Chosen to serve as an observer, arbiter, and judge for the Dragon of Wisdom."

He made sure each word was thought out and didn't reveal more than necessary. He needed to be honest, but he needed to regain some semblance of control. 

"I am here to judge Velmoria," he declared. "I will determine if you and your people are to receive salvation, or to be wiped from existence."