number of life forces being added to her own. Napier had
been a substantial hunter.
As a mist, she entered the Baron’s stronghold. With the
calm, assuredness of a master thief, armed with all the
information gleaned from Napier, she floated through the
hallways of the keep, moving ever closer to the Baron’s
private chambers. Once aware of all the defenses, they
were easily circumvented. The Baron’s habits, clearly
defined in Napier’s memories, had been crucial in her
planning. She had learned that he rarely rose before the
moon, so her arrival had been just after sunset. She knew
that no one was allowed in his private chambers, for his
most prized possessions were stored there. She knew that
it had been over a hundred years since the keep had been
attacked. Watchfulness will have eroded.
She materialized inside his chamber and he was
immediately aware of her, as she knew that he would be.
Such was the magnitude of his rage that the mahogany
sarcophagus, which for years had sheltered him, exploded
into thousands of splinters, flying through the room, and
he stood before her.
‘He is magnificent,’ Lisle, could not help but think to
herself.
At his full height he rose seven feet. His shoulders were
broad and, even wearing the light silk tunic in which he
frequently rested, she could see that his chest and arms
were heavily muscled. He screamed at her, leaning toward
her, his fangs dripping spittle.
15